Personalized physical therapy in a warm-water pool to help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function with less stress on your joints.
Why Water Works
Water provides a unique environment that allows many people to move more comfortably than they can on land.
The natural buoyancy of water reduces the amount of weight placed on your joints, while the water’s resistance helps improve strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance in a safe, controlled setting.
For many individuals, aquatic therapy makes it possible to begin exercising sooner or perform movements that may be too painful on land.
Less Joint Stress
Buoyancy supports your body weight, reducing stress on painful joints and making movement more comfortable.
Natural Resistance
Water provides gentle resistance in every direction to help improve strength without heavy weights.
Improved Balance
The supportive environment allows you to practice balance and walking activities with greater confidence.
Move With Less Pain
Many patients find they can perform exercises in the water that would be difficult or uncomfortable on land.
Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy may be appropriate for individuals recovering from injury, surgery, or living with conditions that make movement on land difficult.
- Arthritis
- Joint Pain
- Chronic Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Hip & Knee Pain
- Balance Disorders
- Neurological Conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Sports Injuries
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Joint Replacement Recovery
How Aquatic Therapy Can Help
Improve Mobility
Move more comfortably while improving flexibility and joint motion.
Build Strength
Strengthen muscles using the natural resistance of water.
Improve Walking & Balance
Practice walking, balance, and functional movements in a supportive environment.
Reduce Pain
Warm water and reduced joint loading may help decrease pain during exercise.
Improve Endurance
Gradually increase activity tolerance while minimizing stress on the body.
Prepare for Land-Based Therapy
Aquatic therapy may serve as a bridge to traditional physical therapy exercises performed on land.
What to Expect
Every aquatic therapy program is tailored to your individual condition, comfort level, and goals.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Your physical therapist will first complete an evaluation to determine whether aquatic therapy is appropriate for your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Individualized Pool Program
Your therapist will guide you through exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, balance, flexibility, and function while taking advantage of the unique properties of water.
Progressive Rehabilitation
As your strength and confidence improve, your program will progress to help you safely reach your goals.
Transition to Everyday Activity
Depending on your needs, your therapist may transition you to land-based exercises or combine aquatic and traditional physical therapy throughout your recovery.
Why choose Optimum Therapies
Aquatic therapy offers a unique opportunity to move with greater comfort while working toward your rehabilitation goals.
Our physical therapists create individualized treatment plans that combine the benefits of water with evidence-based physical therapy techniques to help you improve function, reduce pain, and return to the activities you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for aquatic therapy?
Wear comfortable swimwear that’s appropriate for exercise in the pool. Your clinic can provide additional recommendations before your first appointment.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Aquatic therapy is performed under the supervision of a physical therapist in a controlled environment. Swimming ability is not required.
Is aquatic therapy only for older adults?
No. Aquatic therapy can benefit individuals of all ages recovering from injury, surgery, neurological conditions, chronic pain, or other conditions that make land-based movement difficult.
Will my insurance cover aquatic therapy?
Many insurance plans cover aquatic therapy when it’s medically necessary and part of your physical therapy plan of care. Coverage varies by plan, and our team will verify your benefits before your first appointment whenever possible.
Can I continue exercising on land?
Often, yes. Your physical therapist will recommend the combination of aquatic and land-based exercise that’s most appropriate for your condition and goals.
Where is aquatic therapy available?
Aquatic therapy is currently available at our Bloomer, Wisconsin location. Contact us to learn whether it’s the right option for your rehabilitation needs.
Content reviewed by Drew Strope, PT, DPT at Optimum Therapies.