Aquatic Therapy

The CVMC Aquatic Therapy program offers skilled physical therapy in a weightless environment in order to decrease compression and the effects of gravity on body structures. Most all diagnoses can be helped by aquatic exercises; however, aquatic therapy is best for those that require unloading of the joints, have multiple areas of injury, have poor tolerance to land-based exercises, have low activity tolerance, have weakness, have balance or gait deficits or have decreased range of motion.

The aquatic therapy sessions are conducted in therapeutic temperatures ranging between 92-94 degrees Fahrenheit. Sessions are one on one with a physical therapist specifically trained in aquatic rehabilitation and the session is designed to meet each client’s needs individually. By starting exercises with little to no resistance and progressing to the use of weights, floats, paddles, flippers and other resistive equipment patients can improve strength, range of motion, stability, balance and activity tolerance to meet their functional goals.

Aquatic therapy can be used in conjunction with land-based therapy or on its own. There are a few instances where water therapy isn’t advised (uncontrolled seizures, open wounds, incontinence, etc.). You can work with your physical therapist or physician can help determine if aquatic therapy is appropriate for you.