AQUATIC THERAPY @ JACOBO PHYSICAL THERAPY

Jacobo Aquatic Therapy or pool therapy consists of varying exercise programs. It is a beneficial form of therapy that is useful for a variety of medical conditions. Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing and exercise performance. One benefit of aquatic therapy is the buoyancy provided by the water. While submerged in water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight-bearing which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints. The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need for weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that can not be experienced on land. Lastly, the warmth of the water experience during aquatic therapy assists in relaxing muscles and vasodilates vessels, increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.

BUOYANCY RELIEVING PAIN

Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing and exercise performance. One benefit of aquatic therapy is the buoyancy provided by the water. While submerged in water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight-bearing which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints.

The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need for weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that cannot be experienced on land. Lastly, the warmth of the water experience during aquatic therapy assists in relaxing muscles and vasodilates vessels, increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a specialized form of physical therapy performed in a water-based environment. It leverages the unique properties of water—buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure—to facilitate movement and healing.

How Can Aquatic Therapy Help People?

Aquatic therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

1. Pain Relief: The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints and muscles, alleviating pain during exercises.
2. Improved Mobility: Water supports movement, making it easier to regain joint range of motion.
3. Strength and Endurance: The resistance provided by water helps improve muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness.
4. Reduced Swelling: Hydrostatic pressure minimizes swelling and promotes lymphatic drainage.
5. Relaxation and Stress Reduction: The warm temperature of therapeutic pools relaxes tight muscles and reduces stress.

Conditions Best Helped by Aquatic Therapy vs. Land Therapy

Aquatic Therapy:

1. Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures, ligament tears, and post-surgical rehabilitation benefit from reduced joint stress and increased mobility.
2. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients benefit from reduced joint stress and increased mobility.
3. Neurological Disorders: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis benefit from improved balance and coordination.
4. Chronic Pain Conditions: Fibromyalgia and chronic lower back pain benefit from pain relief and improved mobility.
5. Sports Injuries: Recovery from sprains, strains, and overuse injuries is facilitated by the supportive environment of water.

Land Therapy:

1. Weight-Bearing Exercises: Conditions requiring weight-bearing exercises for bone strengthening, such as osteoporosis.
2. Specific Skill Training: Athletes needing specific skill training and functional movements.
3. Postural and Gait Training: Conditions requiring detailed postural and gait training, such as scoliosis and gait abnormalities.
4. High-Intensity Rehabilitation: Patients needing high-intensity exercises for cardiovascular fitness and muscle strengthening.

Conclusion

Aquatic therapy provides a supportive and low-impact environment that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with pain, limited mobility, or weight-bearing restrictions. Land-based therapy, on the other hand, is essential for specific skill training, high-intensity rehabilitation, and weight-bearing exercises. The choice between aquatic and land therapy depends on the individual’s specific condition and rehabilitation needs.

CONDITIONS TREATED BY AQUATIC THERAPY

• Sensory Disorders
• Limited Range of Motion
• Weakness
• Poor Motor Coordination
• Pain
• Spasticity
• Perceptual/Spatial Problems
• Balance Deficits
• Respiratory Problems
• Circulatory Problems
• Joint Replacement
• Orthopedic Injuries / Trauma
• Obesity
• Prenatal
• Neurological (MS)
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatology (Arthritis / Fibromyalgia)

FACILITY COMFORTS AND ACCESS

• Warm Water 95 degrees
• Changing Room and designated bathroom.
• Handicap Access
• Hoyer lift up to 300 lbs. 
• Max capacity 10 people