What is "Aquatic Physical Therapy"?
Aquatic Physcial Therapy is an evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist or by a physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Aquatic physical therapy includes but is not limited to treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness and fitness of patient/client populations at an aquatic environment, with or without the use of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective or supportive devices and equipment.
The bouyancy, support, accommodating resistance and other unique properties of the aquatic environment enhance interventions for patients/clients across the age span with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascual/pulmonary and itegumentary diseases, disorders or conditions.
Aquatic Physical Therapy interventions are designed to improve or maintain:
- Function
- Aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning
- Balance, co-ordination and agility
- body mechanics and postural stabilization
- flexibility
- gait and locomotion
- relaxation
- muscle strength, power and endurance
Interventions used in Aquatic Physical Therapy include, but are not limited to therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy and breathing strategies. This gentle exercise is especially helpful with fibromyalgia, arthritis and back, leg and shoulder issues.
