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Aquatic therapy is an effective rehabilitation tool for patients recovering from a wide variety of surgeries and injuries that benefit from the buoyancy and warmth of the water.
Aquatic therapy can benefit any of our patients recovering from the following conditions:
Aquatic therapy is an effective form of physical therapy (PT) that is performed in a pool or other aquatic environment.1 It utilizes the natural properties of water such as buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure, to assist in the rehabilitation process. Water provides a low-impact environment that is commonly used in individuals recovering from injury, surgery, or living with chronic musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.
Research consistently supports the effectiveness of aquatic therapy across a wide range of health conditions. Studies have shown that although both land-based and aquatic-based physical therapy improve patient outcomes as they pertain to balance, gait, reduced fear of falling, and improved quality of life, aquatic therapy can be beneficial and has been shown to show similar improvements compared to land-based.2 Research also consistently supports the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in treating those suffering from osteoarthritis. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation reports that being physically active can reduce joint pain by up to 40% in those with osteoarthritis.3
For post-surgical recovery, especially those recovering from knee or hip surgery, aquatic therapy offers a unique advantage by reducing the load on the joints and supporting early movement and inflammation reduction.
Aquatic therapy is an effective treatment option for a variety of physical and neurological conditions, especially those who experience pain or difficulty with land-based PT. Aquatic therapy is commonly used in the treatment of musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, chronic joint pain, post-surgical recovery, and sports injuries. The root cause of many of these conditions is trauma, inflammation, and cartilage breakdown, which can make movement very painful. This pain often limits an individual’s ability to effectively participate in PT treatment. Aquatic therapy reduces the impact of gravity on the joints, thus making rehabilitative exercises easier to perform. The resistance of the water also helps to rebuild strength and flexibility in a safe environment.
Patients with neurological conditions- including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries- also benefit greatly from aquatic therapy. These conditions are often caused by damage to the nervous system in one form or another. In the water, patients are supported by buoyancy, which allows them to practice movement, coordination, and balance in a safe environment. Sensory feedback provided by the water can also stimulate motor pathways and help restore the nervous system.
Aquatic therapy is also beneficial for those who suffer from balance disorders or have a high risk of falling, such as older adults or those suffering from vestibular conditions, such as vertigo. Patients can safely work on improving balance and walking without fear of injury from falling due to the supportive environment water provides. Although aquatic therapy is a good option and starting point for these patients, land-based PT is still the gold standard for balance improvement.
For those living with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic back or neck pain, or complex regional pain syndrome, aquatic therapy provides a gentler alternative to traditional land PT. The warm water often involved in aquatic therapy helps relax muscles and ease nerve sensitivity, allowing the individual to more effectively engage in treatment.
Finally, aquatic therapy is an option for those who cannot tolerate land-based PT due to things such as pain sensitivity, obesity, or severe deconditioning. Individuals who fall into these demographics might find land-based PT too painful, intimidating, or physically challenging The water provides a supportive, low-impact setting where they can begin rebuilding strength, endurance, and confidence.
Aquatic therapy is not only for those with specific medical conditions- it is also highly effective for treating general symptoms and physical complaints that affect daily life and mobility. As previously mentioned, the unique properties of the water- buoyancy, resistance, and warmth- make it easier for individuals to move, strengthen, and heal with less pain or stress on the joints. Below are a few of the most common symptoms or issues that aquatic therapy can address:
For those who find it difficult or painful to exercise on land, aquatic therapy can be an effective and valuable option. As mentioned, it is especially beneficial for those with joint pain, significant deconditioning, or mobility issues. In these cases, the buoyancy and warmth of the water reduce stress and relax muscles, allowing patients to perform movements they might otherwise avoid doing due to pain or fear of injury. However, it is important to understand that aquatic therapy is not a replacement for traditional PT. For most patients, land-based therapy provides more direct carryover to daily life as it incorporates function-based exercises. Aquatic therapy is typically used to assist people in moving more comfortably to build strength and conditioning for safe transition to traditional PT.
Physical therapists determine if an individual is suited for aquatic therapy by conducting an in depth evaluation. This involves collecting an extensive past medical history, assessing the patient’s pain, strength, range of motion as well as balance and overall tolerance to movement. If a patient is unable to walk, lift or stretch on land without significant pain or risk, aquatic therapy may be recommended to gently begin rebuilding strength and general conditioning. Response to heat, sensitivity to weight-bearing activity and swelling are also considered when making the decision to initiate an aquatic treatment plan. Ultimately, the decision is based on the patient’s individual goals, limitations, and how they responded to different environments.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or managing a chronic condition such as arthritis or post-operative limitations, it’s important to first consult with a licensed physical therapist to determine if aquatic therapy is appropriate. A physical therapist can evaluate your specific needs and design an individualized treatment plan that might include aquatic sessions as a part of a broader treatment plan. While the benefits of aquatic therapy may not always surpass traditional land-based therapy, aquatic therapy can be an effective supplement-especially for individuals with significant pain, weight-bearing limitations, or difficulty tolerating traditional exercise.
Aquatic therapy is rooted in evidence-based techniques that promote strength, mobility, and endurance. PTs might guide you through a variety of interventions including walking or jogging in water, underwater resistance exercises, balance training, and range of motion activities. The goal of these sessions is to reduce pain, improve joint function and mobility while preparing an individual to transition to land-based PT. While aquatic PT is not a cure-all, it can serve as a stepping stone to better function- especially when traditional PT might initially feel too challenging.
Ultimately, while the clinical benefits of aquatic therapy are generally modest and not necessarily superior to traditional land-based PT, it can be a useful tool for certain populations. Whether you are facing a new issue or dealing with a persistent issue, taking the first step by scheduling an evaluation with a PT can help you find the most effective, personalized path forward. Preventing Future Injuries
Injury prevention is a key component of long-term recovery and overall well-being. Incorporating consistent physical activity, proper body mechanics, and postural awareness can significantly reduce the risk of recurring pain or injury. Working with a PT can help individuals identify specific risk factors and implement personalized exercise programs that are designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a nutritious diet, managing stress, and prioritizing sleep, further support the body’s resilience and promote sustained health.
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, water bottle, and a change of clothes.
Aquatic sessions typically last between 30-60 minutes.
You don’t need to know how to swim to participate in aquatic PT. In fact, most sessions take place in a shallow pool in which your feet can remain on the bottom of the pool at all times. Exercises are designed to be performed in water that is waist to chest deep, and flotation devices or supportive equipment can be used to make you feel more comfortable. Safety is top priority and aquatic PTs are specially trained to work with non-swimmers.