Outpatient Services - Aquatic Therapy

What Is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy, or rehabilitation, is exercise performed in water. Aquatic therapy provides an ideal environment for rehabilitation when it is difficult for you to exercise on the ground because of recent surgery, illness or injury. It is especially helpful if you are experiencing pain, weakness, muscle spasms, limited range of motion, decreased strength and limited weight bearing. Aquatic therapy requires no swimming ability and it is usually done in groups.

Aquatic Therapy Benefits You By....

• lowering the stress on your joints and muscles
• improving circulation
• decreasing pain
• encouraging relaxation
• decreasing fear of movement
• improving your ability to exercise more independently

Shallow Water Walking

Walking in a pool environment brings many of the benefits of walking on the ground without the stress that comes from moving on a hard surface. Shallow water walking benefits you by...

• increasing your metabolism
• increasing your strength and endurance
• re-educating atrophied muscles due to injury, illness or surgery
• improving balance and coordination
• improving posture and gait

Good for the Body, Good for the Mind

Taking part in aquatic therapy not only benefits your body, but your mind as well. It helps you to become more self-reliant and less dependent on others. It helps raise your self esteem which in turn helps you recover faster and more completely. It often leads to a desire to continue with an ongoing exercise program which can have many life-long benefits.

About Your Aquatic Therapy Program

Your therapy will take place right here at Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center. The pool offers plenty of room for exercise. Water temperature is kept at 91 degrees F. You may want to bring shower shoes or sandals. When you arrive for your session, please register at the front desk.

You must shower before entering the pool and after leaving the pool.

Your session will last approximately 30 minutes to one hour.

There is a hydro-lift chair provided for those who may find it difficult to ascend or descend the pool stairs.

We have a large selection of therapeutic equipment for your use in the pool.

An Important Health Message

Certain medications can affect your ability to exercise. Please inform your therapist if you are taking medication for any of the following conditions:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Respiratory function
• Cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary function
• Diabetes
• Seizures
• Incontinence

Also, your therapist should be informed if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Illness/fever
• Sensitivity to pool chemicals
• Open wounds
• Contagious skin disease (example: athlete's foot)
• Infectious disease (HIV, HBV, HCV)
• Menstrual cycle--non-use of tampons
• Hydrophobia (fear of water)
  
  
  
  

  Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center 393 E. Roosevelt Battle Creek, Michigan  49017 269 .965.3206