Aquatic physical therapy is rehabilitation that is done in a heated pool of water. Aquatic intervention should be used when the soothing properties of water will advance rehabilitation when compared to traditional land therapy alone. At Mary Lou Corcoran Physical & Aquatic Therapy our exercise instruction is given by experienced physical therapists trained in aquatic therapy.

When the body is immersed in water, a certain level of buoyancy is achieved, making movement of weakened muscles or inflamed joints easier, safer, and less painful. The unique properties of warm water promotes relaxation of muscles and allows the physical therapist to move joints through a greater range of motion to ease pain and restrictions. Water also acts as a resistance, about 60 times more than air, to the entire limbs making it an effective way to gain strength and endurance without compromising joint integrity.

Athletes benefit with aquatic therapy because they don’t lose valuable training time for the healthy joints and can still exercise the injured area without the deleterious effects of gravity, such as torque and compression. Mature clients enjoy aquatic therapy because it gives them a pain free environment to exercise.

 

Underwater Treadmill