Aquatic physical therapy is a quantum leap forward in rehabilitation. In a special partnership with the Papillion YMCA, Gina V. Physical Therapy offers their patients, aquatic physical therapy. Aquatic physical therapy complements traditional, land-based physical therapy programs. Gina V. is licensed and trained in aquatic therapy.
Often after an injury, a patient‘s sensitivity to pain is increased while weight bearing is limited, which restricts his or her activities on land. In water the effects of gravity are reduced. The properties of water let a patient exercise in a relative “low or no impact” environment that provides more comfortable movement and enhanced range of motion. Water supports the body, reduces joint stress, and provides resistance and assistance to movement in a truly unique manner. Gina says patients can rapidly improve mobility, strength, and function during the healing process.
Patients can rapidly improve mobility, strength, and function during the healing process. They can get back to doing the things they love more quickly. ~ Gina V.
So, Why Does Aquatic Physical Therapy Work?
Water possesses unique properties such as buoyancy, viscosity, and hydrostatic pressure. These properties are used to improve the range of motion, strength, balance, and endurance for people who have sustained physical illness and injuries.
- Buoyancy: It is an upward acting force exerted by water that opposes an object’s weight. This upward force allows a patient to have less apparent weight than on land. This benefits patients who have weight bearing difficulties such as ankle, knee or hip injuries, or surgery, arthritis, or back pain. The buoyant force of water decreases the effective weight of a patient in proportion to the degree of immersion. When the water is shoulder deep, a person will only weigh ten percent of his or her normal body weight. The buoyancy effect of water will allow patient to move in ways that may not have been possible on land.
- Viscosity: This refers to the internal friction specific to fluid. This friction provides resistance with water exercise. The faster the movement through the water the more resistance is given. Water resistance is often used during strengthening exercise. Since no weights or machines are involved, this form of resistance is uniquely safe and effective.
- Hydrostatic Pressure: Water exerts pressure on an object that is immersed in the water. Pressure is greatest at deeper depths. This pressure benefits patients who may have swelling in the lower extremities, legs and ankles. It also reduces the perception of pain which allows the patients to move willingly and correctly.
Patients Suited for Aquatic Physical Therapy
People referred for aquatic physical therapy at Gina V. Physical Therapy usually have difficulty exercising on land. The following conditions are often ideal for treatment in the aquatic environment at the Papillion YMCA:
- Arthritis
- Balance disorders
- Bursitis
- Neck, shoulder, low back, knee or ankle, injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis
- Chronic pain
- Lumbar strain
- Sports- and work-related injuries requiring rapid rehabilitation
- Obesity
- Conditions with weight bearing restrictions
Benefits of Aquatic Physical Therapy
- Accelerated rehabilitation
- Protection for joints during exercise
- Reduced stress
- Decreased muscle tension
- Decreased swelling
- Trunk stabilization
- Improved gait or postural deviations
- Increased circulation and joint mobility
- Increased strength and endurance
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Increased balance and coordination
- Increased muscle tone
- Improved body mechanics with work and daily activities to avoid re-injury
How can you take the plunge into aquatic physical therapy with Gina V?
Once approved by your physician aquatic therapy session is individually designed to meet the patient’s needs and utilizes different equipment, depending upon the nature of the condition. Patients do not have to know how to swim to participate in aquatic physical therapy and will be closely managed by a licensed physical therapist who is trained in aquatic therapy.
Treatment may include a warm up, which may be followed by balance and stabilization exercises, strengthening, gait training, and endurance exercises. In-pool treatment may include the use of an underwater treadmill, in-pool steps, weights, a Thera-band, paddles, noodles, a balance and stabilization board, hydrotone boots, and hydrotone bells.
We ant your experience with Gina V to be a positive one. You may be uncertain about what to expect. Don’t worry. We want to provide you the care you need so you can reach your individual health goals and get back to doing the things you love!
Ask your doctor if aquatic physical therapy is for you!
Tags: Aquatic Therapy Papillion Aquatic Therapy Physical Therapy
