In-Home Aquatic Therapy

In-Home Aquatic Therapy in Phoenix Area

You do not have to be a competitive swimmer to participate or benefit from aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy is physical therapy that takes place in a pool, under the supervision of a trained physical therapist. Aquatic therapy continues to grow as studies show that it is a safe compliment or alternative to traditional land-based therapy. Aquatic therapy is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The buoyancy principles of water appeal to those suffering from joint pressure related illness such as osteoarthritis. Aquatic therapy has healing principles that reduce overall joint stress level.

Some of the ways that water’s natural properties create an ideal therapeutic environment include:

• Pools in the warm Arizona sun provide Vitamin D, fresh air and a soothing sensation
• Warm water provides relaxation for aching joints and muscles
• Water’s natural viscosity or resistance can be used for muscle strengthening and progressing rehabilitation protocols
• Buoyancy allows for floatation and reduces the effects of gravity on injured or aching joints and muscles
• Hydrostatic pressure supports and stabilizes the client, allowing people with balance deficits to perform exercises without a fear of falling. It decreases pain and improves cardiovascular return
• The respiratory system is forced to work harder in the water, allowing for a natural strengthening that benefits the client long after the therapy session has ended.

When compared to other forms of physical therapy, aquatic therapy results in a higher client compliance rate and less pain throughout the recovery process. Another advantage of aquatic therapy is that it can often begin before land-based sessions. For athletes looking to get back into competition, or busy professionals that want to get back from surgery as quickly as possible, a water-based program is a viable choice.

Common goals of aqua therapy programs include:

• Improving flexibility
• Improving balance and coordination
• Building muscle strength and endurance
• Enhancing aerobic capacity
• Assisting with gait and locomotion
• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation

Aquatic therapy is different from water aerobics or aquatic fitness because it is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that requires the involvement of a trained professional. Aquatic physical therapy should not be confused with adaptive aquatics or swim lessons. Our services are not geared toward the process of teaching people how to swim safely. However, we can provide stroke technique and drills for competitive swimmers or triathletes. Onofray Physical Therapy has extensive experience working with water athletes and assisting clients seeking to improve their life.

Onofray Physical Therapy’s aquatic program is performed in your private pool during the summer months, or if your pool is heated, throughout the winter. With aquatic sessions, a full and thorough evaluation will be performed prior to getting in the water. Exercises and aquatic activities will be prescribed to meet your goals. Equipment will be provided for your use in the water can be available for purchase as needed. Oftentimes, and when appropriate, transition from aquatic to land based sessions can be achieved in a few short weeks.

Aquatic treatment sessions can be scheduled for 60 or 90 minutes. Your first visit will always include a land-based evaluation of your situation and your individual needs. 60 min. sessions will be exclusively performed in the water. 90 min. sessions will include time spent in the water and on land. The land-based portion of the session will include manual techniques as well as exercises/stretches for you to perform. Since we live on land, it is optimal to have tools to assist you in your daily life that do not include the water. A home exercise program will be established to include water-based exercises in addition to your dry land homework.

If you are not sure if aquatic therapy is right for you, or if you would like more information about how Onofray Physical Therapy aquatic program is performed, please fill out our contact us form.