If you've never heard of aquatic therapy before, you may be surprised at how many benefits it can offer. Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy that a patient and therapist perform while suspended in a large body of water, such as a swimming pool. This type of physical therapy is an excellent way to improve mobility and reduce pain symptoms in patients who may have difficulty exercising. This may be due to joint conditions, obesity, or an injury that makes normal physical therapy difficult or exhausting.
Studies have shown aquatic therapy to be a highly effective treatment for many patients. Participants in one recent study reported less pain and better mobility after 12 months of aquatic therapy than participants who only engaged in traditional physical therapy modalities. The study participants also reported better sleep, as well as an improved mental state during their treatment.
What injuries can benefit from aquatic therapy?
If you are recovering from an injury, it may be time for you to give underwater physical therapy a try. According to physical therapists, these are the top three musculoskeletal injuries that can benefit from aquatic therapy:
- Sprains, strains and tears ” If you have experienced a sprain, strain or soft tissue tear while playing sports, it can be painful and dangerous to get back onto the field before it has healed. Aquatic therapy can help athletes to exercise while healing from a sports-related sprain, strain or tear.
- Knee and hip surgery ” Rehabilitation after a knee or hip surgery can take months. During that time, aquatic therapy can help you to restore your mobility and strengthen your knee or hip without putting too much pressure on your joints. The water pressure experienced during therapy can also help reduce any swelling you may have after surgery.
- Spine injuries ” Injuries to the spine can result in an inability to walk or exercise without pain. Many spinal injuries also cause damage to the nerves of the spinal cord. Physical therapy while suspended in water can help patients with spine injuries to improve their muscle control and regain their muscle memory. Performing therapy underwater helps them to do this more easily than they would be able to on land.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for aquatic therapy near you
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and who can help you address injuries that may benefit from aquatic therapy.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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