Aquatic Physical Therapy
Why Aquatic Therapy?
David Anselmo, PT, Owner of Cross Keys Physical Therapy believes that Aquatic Therapy is an excellent way to rehab injured patients. Exercise is the fountain of youth that everyone wants to drink. However, jogging, aerobic dance, running, and cross training has not proven to be good on our joints, muscles, tendons or ligaments. I am seeing more injuries from these types of activities everyday.”
Aquatic Therapy is the use of Warm water at Therapeutic temperature between 90-94 degrees. The buoyancy of water facilitates exercise without the forces present with land-based programs.. At Cross Keys Physical Therapy our Aquatic Therapy Sessions are in a 20ft by 30 ft pool. Our Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants are in the water with the patients to instruct, stretch, massage and demonstrate to each patient as needed to reach individual goals.
The aquatic environment helps reduce inflammation and decreases pressure on an injured joint/spine column, allowing them to begin recovery and exercise much earlier and safer than land based therapy.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Circulatory System:
Increases:
Blood supply
Muscle metabolism
Respiratory rate
Decreases:
Heart demand
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Cardiorespiratory System:
Increases:
Ventilation of lungs
Blood flow to muscle
Decreases:
Blood pressure
Musculoskeletal System:
Increases:
Joint ROM
Flexibility
Strength
Muscle endurance
Circulation
Improves:
Balance
Proprioception
Posture awareness
Healing Process:
Increased circulation
Decreases edema
Economic / Social Benefits:
Start Rehab sooner
Reduces rehab time
Aquatic Physical Therapy interventions are designed to improve or maintain
Increase function, Increase aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning, Increase balance, Decrease Pain, Improve body mechanics and postural stabilization, Increase flexibility, Improve gait and locomotion, Improve relaxation, Increase muscle strength, power, and endurance.
