Contrary to what the name suggests, aquatic therapy is not the process of teaching people swimming skills. What aquatic therapy does is much more profound. It offers those who have mobility constraints the opportunity to stretch beyond those limitations in a safe aquatic environment. The buoyancy provided by water, whether it is hot, warm, or cool, expands the physical capacity of those who have mobility issues by ‘lightening their load,' so to speak.

Here are some of the benefits a patient can expect from aquatic therapy:

Muscle tone and strength

Muscle tone and strength is a significant result for any improvement therapy. By starting with aquatic treatment, muscle tone and strength are improved, which creates a base from which all of the other benefits of therapy can launch. The low impact on joints and muscles that aquatic therapy provides is a great way to start strength building. The resistance water offers will help build strength with the benefit of the ease water offers joints and muscles.

Balance and coordination

When a mobility issue affects coordination, balance can be affected, as well. The process of relearning coordination and motion will improve balance, and, in turn, increase confidence. Confidence, which can be in short supply after an accident or another compromising event, will bolster the patient's drive to work hard and improve in the physical therapy setting.

Building skills

Aquatic fitness training can be a fun way to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Once these skills are developed, gait training will be much easier to master. These, in turn, will promote muscle tone, strength, balance, and coordination. It's easy to see how each of these skills builds upon and improves the other, so a patient's improvement is bolstered cyclically as a result of aquatic therapy efforts. Is it any wonder that therapists find aquatic therapy such a gratifying use of a patient's therapy?

Other benefits

Many patients also find that in addition to the physical benefits of aquatic therapy, there are many mental benefits, as well. Water can be a soothing respite, especially if it's warm, which means it's essential to creating a relaxing and energizing atmosphere.

Moving forward

Once a patient has had the full benefit of aquatic therapy, the concept is that they will be able to forward their new skills toward use out of the pool. This can sometimes present a challenge to patients who aren't confident of their newly mastered skills once they get 'back on dry land.' But, the transition is well worth the effort, making aquatic therapy a good value in a patient's therapy repertoire.

If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.