AQUATIC THERAPY
– SERVICES –
Aquatic Therapy is an effective rehabilitation tool for anyone with orthopedic, neurological, arthritic or lymphatic conditions.
Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy performed in a heated therapeutic pool. The unique properties of water—including buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure—allow patients to move more comfortably while reducing stress on painful joints and muscles.
We understand that each individual’s needs are unique, and aquatic therapy provides a range of benefits to address various conditions. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, seeking post-surgical rehabilitation, or aiming to enhance your overall fitness, aquatic therapy can be an excellent option for you.
Alton Physical Therapy Pools Feature:
- A Variable Speed Underwater Treadmill
- Underwater Cameras and Viewing Monitor
- Commercial Filtration System
- Resistance Jets
- Temperature 92-94°
Who Can Benefit from
Aquatic Therapy?
This therapy is beneficial for patients of all ages and activity levels. Because water reduces the amount of weight placed on joints, many people can begin rehabilitation sooner than they could with traditional land-based therapy.
Patients often benefit from under water therapy when recovering from:
- Joint replacement surgery
- Sports injuries
- Chronic back pain
- Neck pain
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Balance disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Orthopedic injuries
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Chronic joint pain
- Weight-bearing restrictions
Key Advantages of Aquatic Therapy Are:
- Buoyancy: Reduces the effects of gravity, easing movements and reducing stress on joints.
- Low-impact exercise: Minimizes joint impact, making it ideal for individuals with joint pain or weight-bearing restrictions.
- Hydrostatic pressure: Helps reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote healing.
- Resistance: Provides natural resistance for muscle strengthening and overall fitness.
- Balance and stability: Creates a stable environment for working on balance and coordination.
- Pain relief: Soothes sore muscles and joints, providing pain relief and relaxation.
- Range of motion and flexibility: Facilitates movements and stretching exercises to improve range of motion.
What to Expect During Therapy
Your first aquatic therapy visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation by one of our licensed physical therapists. We will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, goals, and movement limitations before creating an individualized treatment plan.
Common Conditions Improved by Aquatic Therapy:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post surgical knees, hips, shoulders and backs
- Knee/ankle sprains
- Stress fractures of foot, lower leg
- Fibromyalgia
- Dislocations
- Achilles and Patellar tendonitis
- Osteoarthritic conditions of hip, knees, and other joints.
- Spinal sprains/strains
Each therapy session may include:
- Walking exercises
- Balance training
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching
- Range-of-motion activities
- Functional movement training
- Underwater treadmill exercises when appropriate
Every program is customized based on your condition, progress, and rehabilitation goals.
Advanced Equipment
Aquatic Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Aquatic therapy is commonly recommended following joint replacement and other orthopedic surgeries because it allows patients to begin movement while placing less stress on healing tissues.
Treatment times vary depending on your personalized plan of care, but most sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Most insurance plans that cover physical therapy also cover aquatic therapy when it is medically necessary. Our staff can help verify your benefits before treatment.
Yes. Our therapeutic pool is maintained between 92 and 94 degrees to promote comfort, reduce muscle tension, and improve mobility during treatment.
No. Most aquatic therapy exercises are performed in shallow water, and your therapist remains with you throughout the session.
No. Aquatic therapy is a medically supervised rehabilitation program led by licensed physical therapists using targeted exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, balance, and function.