Physical therapy is essential for many people with medical conditions, disabilities, and episodes of chronic pain that make it challenging to move or balance. However, aquatic therapy offers an alternative to this traditional approach. Instead of performing exercises while lying on a table or standing on the floor, aquatic physical therapy is done in waist-deep water to allow for more natural movements and less stress on the body. Discover more details about the practice below. 

How Does Aquatic Therapy Work?

The buoyancy of the water works against the direction of gravity, allowing patients to feel weightless while in the pool. As a result, people who may have difficulty performing basic movements can exercise with increased ease. They won't need as much equipment to aid them in the pool as they would in a physical therapy office, and patients with difficulty walking don't have to worry about falling or losing their balance. The buoyancy also allows people who struggle to support their body weight to walk more easily since it's easier to move freely while submerged in water.

What Are Its Advantages?

This type of therapy is highly beneficial for a wide range of patients. For example, it assists with mobility, flexibility, balance, and muscle strengthening. Because of the water's buoyancy, the stress a person would typically put on their joints and muscles is also significantly reduced. As a result, exercising is less painful, and patients can enjoy the process more. The water is also an excellent source of resistance for those looking to strength train without using weights.

Who Benefits From It?

Aquatic therapy is an excellent option for patients with a limited range of motion or pain due to hip and knee replacements, traumatic brain injuries, back surgery, and arthritis in the knees or ankles. Generally, patients with painful medical conditions or difficulty losing weight can benefit from the service, as well, since the underwater motion reduces stress on the body during exercise. Athletes can also use the service as part of their strength training plan and perform high-intensity workouts without high risks of injury and soreness. However, it is not ideal for everyone. Physicians may not recommend aquatic physical therapy for a person with cardiac disease or open wounds to prevent further complications.

As the only aquatic therapy location in Parrish, FL, and the surrounding areas, Realhab offers exceptional outpatient rehabilitation services. Experienced physical therapist Gayle Reed leads this center and its skilled staff. Patients can receive help for balance, coordination, mobility, and other issues in the center's state-of-the-art gym and indoor therapy pool while working with the center's caring, knowledgeable team. Schedule an appointment today by calling (941) 776-5585 or visiting them online.