Two properties of water that are used most frequently during aquatic therapy are buoyancy and resistance. When you are submerged in water, the effects of gravity are decreased through buoyancy. This helps relieve pressure from the joints and decrease the amount of shock transmitted to your ligaments, bones, and joints. Using water resistance is a great way to strengthen and build up weak joints, muscles or ligaments. It does this with very low impact so there is less of a chance for further injury. You will feel resistance no matter which direction you move in the water. Both buoyancy and resistance can be adjusted during aquatic therapy sessions to fit your needs. We can adjust the amount of buoyancy or floating you receive by using belts, floating dumb bells, or noodles. We can adjust the resistance the water places on your movement with the use of kick boards, gloves or paddles.

The natural properties of resistance can be exaggerated in the water with an external force. Research shows that those individuals who participate in rehabilitation programs with a water component prior to surgery accelerate the rehabilitation process significantly. Did you know that standing chest deep in water, the body is 80% weightless, bearing only 20% of its body weight! This weightlessness significantly reduces the stress on joints and muscles. Conditions that could benefit from our aquatic therapy program include, but are not limited to arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuromuscular and neurological, orthopedic, chronic pain, pediatrics, and sports medicine.

Balance can also be assisted or challenged in the water. Aquatic Therapy is not only for those who have an injury or just had surgery but for those who want to improve their balance and independence. Water exercises are one of the best ways to improve your balance without the risk of falling and being injured.