Aquatic therapy is a gentle exercise program designed to help you build strength while being easy on your body. It is completed with a physical or occupational therapist, but instead of working on land, you complete it in a warm pool.
This water workout can be a game-changer for people with disabilities, injuries or illnesses. Maybe you’re healing from surgery after a serious injury. Perhaps you have a condition that makes moving around on land tough. Whatever the reason, aquatic therapy can help you feel better.
What’s so amazing about aquatic therapy? The water itself. The buoyancy of the water is what helps you float, just like a beach ball; it helps take pressure off your joints so you can move more freely without all the pain. Water also has a bit of a pushing force when you move through it, which can give your muscles a gentle workout. An added bonus is that the pool can be heated, so it can also feel like a relaxing bath while working to improve your body.
What can you expect from an aquatic therapy session?
Here’s a sneak peek at what you may experience before and during your aquatic therapy session:
- Planning your path — Before you begin aquatic therapy, you will have an evaluation with a therapist on land. They will ask about medical history, current status and goals for aquatic therapy and verify if there are any precautions or contraindications to aquatic therapy. From there, you will schedule your aquatic sessions and start your individualized aquatic therapy program if appropriate.
- Gearing up for fun — Many places will have all the aquatic therapy gear you need, like pool noodles, kickboards and even water weights. You can wear a bathing suit or workout clothes for your session. Some people like to wear water shoes to help them have extra grip on the bottom.
- Warming up — Just like any exercise routine, you’ll start with some gentle moves to help get your body warm and your muscles loose. This may involve some simple stretches or walking around in the shallow end.
- Moving around — After warming up, it’s time for the main event with the exercises and movements. Your therapist will guide you through movements designed to help you reach your goals. The beauty of aquatic therapy is that the exercises can be changed to fit your abilities, so you can have a safe and effective workout. Your aquatic therapy session may involve:
- Walking against the water’s gentle push — Great for building leg strength and endurance
- Practicing balancing with pool noodles — Improves balance and coordination in a safe environment
- Doing stretches while floating — Gentle stretches for your back, shoulders and legs can feel amazing in the water.
- Jogging in place in deep water — Gets your heart rate up for a cardiovascular workout without the impact
- Using water weights for arm exercises — Bicep curls, tricep extensions and even shoulder presses can be done with water weights to help boost upper body strength
- Kicking your legs while holding on to the pool edge — Targets your hamstrings, glutes and core
- Playing catch with a waterproof ball while floating — Improves hand-eye coordination and can add a fun element
- Taking a gentle aqua jog with a flotation belt — Provides a low-impact cardio workout for those who may not be able to jog on land
- Cooling down — Every workout needs a cooldown, and aquatic therapy is no different. You may do some gentle stretches or just float for a while to let your heart rate slow down.
- Tracking your progress — Throughout your therapy journey, your therapist will keep an eye on how you’re doing and adjust your program as needed. They’ll celebrate your victories and be there to support you every step of the way.
Adaptive swim for different abilities
Adaptive swim refers to swimming techniques changed to fit the needs of people with disabilities. Aquatic therapists can teach you these techniques so you can enjoy the benefits of swimming, no matter your physical limitations. Adaptive swim can involve:
- Using flotation devices — These can help you stay afloat while you learn to move your body in the water.
- Learning special swimming strokes — There are adapted swimming strokes that can be easier on your body and allow you to move through the water more efficiently.
- Practicing breathing techniques — Proper breathing is essential for swimming. Your therapist can teach you techniques to make breathing while in the water easier and more comfortable.
Aquatic therapy is all about working together with your therapist to reach your goals. Don’t be shy to ask questions, share any worries you may have and celebrate your achievements along the way. With hard work and the fun environment of aquatic therapy, you or your loved one can experience amazing improvements in strength, flexibility and overall well-being.
Explore aquatic therapy and adaptive swim at Ability KC
If you’re living with a disability or recovering from an injury or illness, aquatic therapy can be a game-changer. Ability KC has a storied history of providing comprehensive rehabilitation services, including aquatic therapy. Our team of qualified therapists can create a personalized aquatic therapy program that addresses your specific goals, whether you’re looking to build strength or improve flexibility. We also offer some seasonal adaptive swim programs for pediatric patients. Aquatic therapy and adaptive swim programs can help you move with more ease and confidence.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) with a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.