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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.
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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.
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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? Waters 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 bodys natural pain killers. Waters 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 handson 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 rgaaz) is another hands-on treatment
which uses the pressure of water to facilitate stretching, resistance
and stabilization with a progression towards the clients 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 its 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!
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From the Healing Bridge Physical
Therapy
Summer 2002 Newsletter
"When youre 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!"
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But I dont live in the water is a common
statement by patients wondering why they should try aquatic
physical therapy. For the water babies out there, aquatic
therapy makes perfect sense. But if you are unfamiliar with,
or a bit hesitant about water, you may wonder how activities
in the pool can help you on the land where you spend
all of your time.
The truth is, many activities in the water can enhance your
progress and healing, especially in the following areas:
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Movement Awareness
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Being in the water is a novel new environment
for most people. This tends to increase your awareness of
everyday movement patterns that may be contributing to your
pain or limitations. The water resistance also forces you
to slow down and re-examine habitual ways of moving.
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Strengthening
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Water provides as much as 64 times the resistance of air,
depending upon your speed of movement. This allows for excellent
strengthening benefits that can be carried over into the land
world.
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Massage
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The hydrostatic pressure of water can stimulate nerve endings
and improve blood flow to injured areas, much like a good
massage can.
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Stretching and Range of Motion
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The buoyancy of water supports your joints and limbs, making
stretching easier and more gentle to perform. Range of motion
can be reached without feeling forced or as painful.
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Relaxation
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The warmth of our 93 degree pool helps to relax tight muscles
and improve circulation, which can improve a sense of well
being. The sense of play many people associate
with the water is also vitally important for your overall
well-being.
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The benefits of aquatic therapy are endless, and we enjoy
integrating them into your comprehensive therapy program.
Ask your therapist or doctor if aquatic therapy is appropriate
for you, and lets have a SPLASH in the pool!
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