What is Aquatic Therapy?
Physical Therapy sessions that take place in a pool.
Who Benefits from Aquatic Therapy?
Most individuals with orthopedic or neurological dysfunctions can benefit from pool therapy. In fact, most people can function better initially in the pool, allowing for quicker recovery.
Why use a pool for therapy?
Pain associated with joint stresses and weight bearing is greatly reduced due to the buoyancy provided by the water. This allows for earlier functional exercises, especially after surgery or injury. The water helps to decrease swelling and increase circulation, improves range of motion, and provides a resistance necessary to strengthen weak muscles.
What if a patient can't swim?
Therapy sessions are conducted with a trained therapist who can provide as much or as little assistance as the patient needs or desires.
Is the pool deep?
The depth of the pool ranges from 3 to 5 feet.
Is the water cold?
No, the water temperature is maintained at 90-92 degrees.
How does a patient enter the pool?
There are 3 stairs entering into the pool for ambulatory patients, with a rail on one side. For patients whose conditions restrict them from weight bearing, staff members are trained to assist patients to effortlessly enter and exit the water.
Aquatic Therapy has been proven to be an effective way to increase strength, range of motion and function quicker and easier for many patients!
Check out the therapeutic pools at any location of Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center. Petoskey, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Cheboygan and Indian River.