Aquatic Therapy and You
Throughout history, it has been hard to separate humans from water. The benefits of waterways for commerce and transportation have enabled civilizations to grow, and that is without taking into account the biological necessity for hydration. It should come as no surprise then that water has many applications in the realm of physical therapy. Aquatic therapy began to receive more recognition in the 1900’s when Dr. Charles Lowman published a book on the topic in 1911 and American President Franklin D. Roosevelt used water therapy to help with his polio in 1924.
In a physical therapy setting, aquatic therapy offers several unique benefits and can affect positive outcomes for people that may have failed with traditional therapy. Patients can work with the natural hydrostatic pressure of the water’s depth which acts as a pump to relieve the weight of gravity on limbs and extremities. The more fully submerged the patient goes, the less they are affected by the natural gravity of the world. This allows for low-level traction that would otherwise be impossible, as well as allowing the patient to walk in the water when they otherwise could not walk on land. Aquatic therapy can also be used for balance training. Due to the support of buoyancy and the viscosity of water slowing down movement to improve reaction time, aquatic therapy can make balance training more effective and safer by decreasing the risk of falling. This is increasingly important for our elderly clients.
Unlike most gyms or workout facilities that have an average pool temperature of 80 degrees, Burger’s pool is maintained at 90 degrees. This temperature is closer to normal human internal body temperatures which aid not only in circulation but also reduces tension and shock from a sudden shift in temperatures. This further allows for easier relaxation in the water which sometimes allows greater work to be done. Working with an aquatic therapist allows for the evaluation and creation of a unique program suited to the patient and focused on their individual needs. Burger also has a long-standing aquatic arthritis class which helps its members with pain and motion tolerance. Many of these classes members have been attending for years and enjoy the long term benefits of pool therapy!