Aquatic Therapy is a highly effective treatment method for orthopedic and neurologic conditions. When your body is supported by the buoyancy of water, physical stress is reduced, flexibility and function increase, relaxation is greatly enhanced, and recovery is more complete. Our Aquatic manual therapies, performed in 92-degree warmth, educate you in principles of posture and alignment and promote muscle balance and proper joint function.

In addition, aquatic cardiovascular exercise and strength training result in increased range of motion and strength, decreased pain, and improved balance and posture. Moving through the water in any position, you can feel the flow of the element against your skin, making you feel light, free, even playful. Once you've maximized the benefits of our warm-water aquatic therapy, we can continue to supervise your progress in a pool of your choice.

From the Healing Bridge Physical Therapy
Winter 2002 Newsletter

Many of our patients receive treatment in the relaxing waters of our therapy pool. Research has shown that aquatic therapy decreases pain and need for pain medications, increases sleep hours, improves independence with personal care and work capacity, and increases relaxation. Water immersion and exercise has been used to treat ailments in cultures around the world for centuries. Its use has been recorded back to Greek and Roman times; Hippocrates commonly used warm water soaking to treat his rheumatism patients.

What is it about the water that allows you to experience less pain and more movement? Water’s buoyancy counteracts the downward force of gravity, providing a sense of weightlessness, translating into less pressure on your joints. Water maintains body temperature better than air, and warm water can stimulate the release of endorphins, your body’s natural pain killers. Water’s resistance provides the opportunity for strengthening, and the faster you move, the more resistance you get, therefore treatment can be individualized at the appropriate intensity.

Aquatic therapy treatment at Healing Bridge is multifaceted. Our one-on-one approach to patient care, enhanced by our commitment to hands–on manual techniques, differentiates us from other clinics or just soaking in a hot tub. In addition to using the aquatic environment for stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning, and traction, we specialize in Watsu and Bad Ragaz.

Watsu is a form of aquatic bodywork that uses the flow and buoyancy of water to facilitate stretching and freedom of movement, decreased pain, increased function, and a sense of well being. Bad Ragaz (pronounced baad r’gaaz) is another hands-on treatment which uses the pressure of water to facilitate stretching, resistance and stabilization with a progression towards the client’s active participation. Both techniques are helpful for a variety of limitations, and are particularly beneficial for enhancing relaxation and gentle movement beyond pre-set limitations.

We encourage folks to utilize aquatic swim programs either through their introduction to water during physical therapy, or by getting involved in one of the many excellent aquatic classes at Juniper Swim and Fitness Center. The benefits are endless, and the sense of freedom of movement is so enjoyable, some say it’s addicting. Please feel free to discuss with your therapist if and what type of aquatic therapy might be beneficial for you. We look forward to seeing you in the pool!

From the Healing Bridge Physical Therapy
Summer 2002 Newsletter

"When you’re done with your Aquatic session, you will have exercised, stretched and received some relaxation — which you might have done on land, but not all at the same time!"