Back to Health: Aquatic Therapy
What is it?
It is exercise performed in a pool. The water is heated to approximately 90 degrees. Don’t worry if you can’t swim–Exercises can be performed in waist-to-shoulder depth water.
What type of injuries/illnesses respond best to water therapy?
Arthritis, Obesity, Post-surgical repairs of the knee, hip and shoulder, Lumbar disc injuries, and Compression fractures are the most common indications for aquatic therapy. Patients who are overweight or suffer with Fibromyalgia respond well to aquatic therapy too!
When is aquatic therapy contra-indicated?
It is safe for all injuries with the exception of open wounds. Post-surgical cases must have full closure of the incision prior to entering the water.
Why water therapy instead of land-based therapy?
People who get overly sore with land therapy respond well with aquatic therapy!
The buoyancy of water reduces gravitational pressures that typically increases pain to arthritic joints, joint replacements and injured intervertebral discs. In addition, water provides equal pressures around the body part so multi-directional strengthening can be obtained. Another benefit is that the water will slow movement and reduce forces, thus allowing for a safer strengthening program.
How can I start aquatic therapy?
Ask your physician to refer you to our facility or you can contact our office for evaluation and consideration for entry into the aquatic therapy program. Let us help you get back to being ACTIVE!
Todd R. Custer, D.C., A.T.C. – Doctor Custer is a doctor of chiropractic and certified athletic trainer, and has been rehabilitating injured athletes at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels (Philadelphia Eagles Football Club) since 1994.
Dr. Custer graduated from Texas Chiropractic College summa cum laude, and is currently treating patients at Better Care Chiropractic & Physical Therapy.
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