Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that takes place in a pool or other aquatic environment. It is much more than just water aerobics; it is a skilled, evidence-based treatment performed by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The therapy utilizes the physical properties of water—buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and viscosity—to achieve specific therapeutic goals.

• Buoyancy: This is the upward force of the water that counteracts gravity. When you are submerged in water up to your neck, the water is supporting approximately 90% of your body weight. This dramatically reduces the
• compressive forces on your spine, knees, and hips, making it possible to stand, walk, and exercise with significantly less pain.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: The water exerts a gentle, constant pressure on your entire body. This pressure can help to reduce swelling (edema) in the limbs, improve circulation, and provide a calming sensory input that can help to decrease pain.
• Viscosity: Water provides a natural resistance to movement. This resistance is present in all directions, so every movement becomes a gentle strengthening exercise. The faster you try to move, the greater the resistance, allowing you to easily adjust the intensity of your workout. This resistance also helps to improve your balance and stability.
• Warmth: Our therapy pool is heated to a comfortable, therapeutic temperature. The warmth of the water helps to relax tight muscles, decrease stiffness, and further alleviate pain.

Aquatic therapy is a versatile treatment that can be beneficial for a wide range of patients. Our Rainsville therapists may recommend aquatic therapy for:

• Arthritis: The buoyancy and warmth of the water are ideal for individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, allowing them to exercise and improve joint mobility with less pain.
• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Especially after knee or hip replacement, or spine surgery, when weight-bearing on land is restricted or painful.
• Chronic Pain Conditions: Such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), where land-based exercise may be too painful.
• Back Pain: The unloading effect of the water can provide significant relief for conditions like spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease.
• Balance and Gait Disorders: The water provides a safe environment to practice walking and balance exercises without the fear of falling.
• Neurological Conditions: Individuals with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or Multiple Sclerosis can benefit from the support and resistance of the water to improve their mobility and strength.
• Obesity: The water supports body weight, making exercise more comfortable and accessible for individuals who are overweight.
• Athletic Recovery: As a low-impact cross-training tool for athletes to maintain cardiovascular fitness while recovering from an injury.

Your aquatic therapy program at Rehab Partners is designed and supervised by our skilled therapy team. It is not a group fitness class; it is a one-on-one or small group session focused on your specific needs and goals. Your journey begins with a traditional, land-based evaluation to assess your condition and determine if aquatic therapy is right for you. If it is, your therapist will create a customized program of exercises to be performed in the water.

During your sessions, a therapist or trained rehab tech will be in the water with you, guiding you through your exercises, ensuring proper form, and providing hands-on assistance as needed. Your program will be progressive, meaning that as you get stronger, the exercises will become more challenging. The goal for many patients is to use aquatic therapy as a bridge to a more traditional, land-based exercise program.

What to Expect from Your Aquatic Therapy Session

We strive to make your aquatic therapy experience comfortable and seamless.

• What to Bring: Please bring a swimsuit and a towel. We have private changing rooms and shower facilities available for your use.
• The Facility: Our therapy pool is equipped with stairs and a lift, making it accessible for individuals with all levels of mobility.
• The Session: Your session will typically last for 30-45 minutes. You will be guided through a warm-up, a series of therapeutic exercises, and a cool-down.

We strive to make your aquatic therapy experience comfortable and seamless.

• What to Bring: Please bring a swimsuit and a towel. We have private changing rooms and shower facilities available for your use.
• The Facility: Our therapy pool is equipped with stairs and a lift, making it accessible for individuals with all levels of mobility.
• The Session: Your session will typically last for 30-45 minutes. You will be guided through a warm-up, a series of therapeutic exercises, and a cool-down.