Making Waves: The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for All Ages

Do you have aches and pains? Want to move easier? Interested in ways to improve your child’s strength and balance? Whatever goal you may have for yourself, your child or a family member, there are different ways aquatic therapy can help.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is physical therapy that takes place in the pool. It can help:

• Build and improve strength
• Increase range of motion and flexibility
• Improve balance

An added benefit of aquatic therapy is that the water removes gravity, relieving pressure and impact on joints.

Who Benefits from Aquatic Therapy?

Anyone!

Aquatic therapy is great for any child with physical limitations or developmental delays. It is used to improve strength and flexibility, while focusing on body awareness, processing sensory input, coordination and learning how to move muscles in new ways.

For adults, aquatic therapy provides a safe, effective environment to positively impact movement, strength and overall health. Because it takes place in the water, it is low-impact and low-weight bearing, which allows people to participate in exercises that may be too difficult to complete on land. This can promote joint health, decrease pain and improve balance.

What to Expect During an Aquatic Therapy Session

Sessions are held in a warm pool, guided by a physical therapist. Patients perform a series of exercises tailored to their condition and goals. These exercises may include walking in water, resistance exercises using aquatic equipment or relaxation techniques.

How Can I Get Started?

Whatever your activity level, ability or age, aquatic therapy is a great place to begin your journey to improve health. It can help your child keep up with their peers on the playground. It can help you feel ready for the hike you want to take this summer. It can even help grandparents that want to be able to kick the ball around with their grandchild. Aquatic therapy can help you achieve any physical goal!

If you’re interested in aquatic therapy, talk to your provider about a referral. Bryan LifePointe offers aquatic therapy, and our physical therapists can’t wait to meet you!