What is aquatic therapy and when is it most commonly used?
Aquatic therapy is an exercise program performed in the water using the buoyancy or fluid resistance of the water to either help increase movement or provide resistance to strengthen muscles. Programs, run by physical therapists, are individualized for each participant’s specific medical conditions. Although any condition can benefit from aquatic therapy, it is most beneficial for these conditions: early walking and strengthening following hip/knee surgery; decreasing joint impact in arthritic or spinal conditions; decreasing pressure on pinched nerves; increasing general conditioning and core strengthening.
