Aquatic Physical Therapy - Center for Spine and Sports Rehab

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Center for Spine and Sport Rehab | Patient Education Aquatic Physical Therapy A unique area of physical therapy that uses the properties of water to enhance physical therapy treatment. What properties of water help make this an effective method of therapy? 1. Buoyancy – this property of water decreases the “weight” of the person in proportion to how much of the body is immersed in the water 2. Hydrostatic Pressure – this property exerts pressure on an object when it is immersed. The deeper the object the more force generated. This can help with swelling in the lower legs. 3. Viscosity – The faster you move through water the more friction/resistance is generated. Water resistance it utilized during strengthening. Why is water therapy beneficial? Water can help to promote relaxation and allow for a more effective exercise program than may be possible on land as the pool creates a “low to no impact” environment What tools are used in aquatic therapy? Water dumbbells, aqua jogger belts, noodles, resistance boxes, stairs, resistance paddles. Benefits of Aquatic Physical Therapy •
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Relieve pain and muscle spasm Improve strength, power, and endurance Increase range of motion Improve circulation Returning to functional and recreational activities Able to tolerate exercise in a reduced weight bearing environment Aquatic Physical Therapy is Best Suited for: •
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Musculoskeletal Disorders such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, low back pain Neurological Disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia Obese individuals Poor balance or increased risk of falls Load-­‐bearing injury •
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Patients with inefficient circulation Severe muscle weakness and fragility Chronic pain Post hip or knee replacement Contraindications for Aquatic Physical Therapy: •
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Incontinence/diarrhea DVT (deep vein thrombosis) Uncontrolled seizures, unstable angina, or uncontrolled diabetes Open wounds Urinary tract infection Contagious diseases Recent Surgery Unstable blood pressure or arrhythmias Cerebral hemorrhage Where will your physical therapist and you go for Aquatic Physical Therapy? •
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Larson Lifestyle Center Lincoln Racquet Club Prairie Life Fitness – 2 locations Sources: http://www.physiopedia.com/Aquatherapy#Clinical_Contraindications.C2.A0.5B4.5D.5B2.5D http://www.myositis.org/storage/documents/2011_Conference_Presentations/Aquatic_Therapy_f
or_Management_and_Reduction_of_the_Symptoms_of_Myositis_2.pdf http://www.rehabpub.com/2014/07/healing-­‐aquatic-­‐therapy/ http://www.aquaticdoc.com/Aquaticdoc.com/Publications_files/Aquatic%20Therapy-­‐
%20Scientific%20Aspects.pdf Office: 402.420.0020 Ÿ Fax: 402.420.0014 Ÿ www.ptlincoln.com th
6825 S 27 Street, Ste 103, Lincoln, NE 68512 Ÿ 755 Fallbrook Blvd, Ste 200, Lincoln, NE 68521