A Guide to Pool-Based Physical Therapy

Aquatic therapy is the term used for physical therapy (PT) that takes place in a pool. It’s a convenient and beneficial way to reap the many rewards that go along with physical therapy in a way that’s easier on bones, muscles, and joints. Below, we go over some of the finer points of PT in a pool and why it can be good for you.

How PT in a Pool Is Done

Pools are often used for numerous aquatic activities other than swimming, including pool-based aerobics, yoga, and exercise. However, aquatic therapy is a bit different than simply exercising in a swimming pool. It’s a form of PT that’s done for the purpose of rehabilitation and recovery. It’s performed by a trained and licensed therapist in a controlled setting that sometimes includes a heated pool to further improve comfort and increase circulation.

Aquatic therapy is usually done at a hospital, rehabilitation center, sports medicine facility, or another similar location. Additionally, aquatic therapy tends to be performed in a group setting rather than on an individual basis. Sessions may be broken up into groups of people with similar recovery and healing needs. However, there are times when various people who have different rehab and PT goals perform aquatic therapy together.

It’s also worth noting that aquatic therapy doesn’t involve learning how to swim. This means you can benefit from aquatic therapy if you don’t swim well or at all. Sessions are often done in shallow water.

Reasons for aquatic therapy can vary greatly but often include:

• Recovering from surgery
• Recovering from a sports-related injury
• Wishing to improve gait and other abilities in seniors or individuals with certain disabilities or chronic conditions
• Managing chronic pain or age-related aches and pains

Increased Flexibility & Other Benefits

One of the many benefits of doing physical therapy in water is increased flexibility, since water reduces pressure on the body while still providing enough resistance to help patients regain flexibility and range of motion while they’re healing and recovering. Pool walking and similar therapeutic exercises can help you regain the ability to remain stable and flexible when you’re not in the pool.

Other benefits associated with aquatic therapy include:

• Increased strength and endurance
• Better posture and coordination
• Increased muscle strength
• Greater breathing capacity

Many patients also gain confidence as they benefit from aquatic therapy exercises and sessions done in a way that often enhances results from other recovery efforts. On a related note, aquatic therapy patients often feel less stressed and more relaxed, which can boost sleep quality and make it easier to perform other daily functions.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to boost your mental and physical health with water-based activities, a pool of your own can be exactly what you need. As an award-winning swimming pool builder San Diego families and businesses have trusted for more than four decades, San Diego Pools can create a custom pool for you that offers a great way to exercise as well as a place to relax and get away from it all. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786.