Comprehensive Guide to Aquatic Therapy at Rehab Access

Aquatic therapy, also known as water therapy, is a specialized form of physical therapy that takes place in a water environment. It leverages the natural properties of water—buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure—to provide a unique and effective therapeutic experience. Unlike traditional land-based physical therapy, aquatic therapy reduces stress on joints and muscles, offering a gentler way to rehabilitate injuries and manage chronic conditions.

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How Aquatic Therapy Differs from Land-Based Therapy

Buoyancy and Reduced Weight Bearing

The buoyancy of water supports a significant portion of your body weight, which reduces the strain on your joints and spine. This makes it easier and less painful for individuals to perform exercises, especially those with arthritis or post-surgical conditions.

Resistance and Strengthening

Water provides continuous resistance in all directions, allowing for muscle strengthening without the need for weights. This resistance is adjustable based on the speed and intensity of movements, making it versatile for various fitness levels.

Hydrostatic Pressure and Circulation

Hydrostatic pressure exerted by water helps improve circulation and reduce swelling. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with edema or poor circulation.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

1. Pain Relief

Aquatic therapy helps manage pain through reduced impact on joints and muscles. The warm water used in therapy pools can also soothe pain and relax tight muscles.

2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility

The supportive nature of water allows for greater range of motion and flexibility. Exercises that might be difficult or painful on land become more manageable in water.

3. Enhanced Balance and Coordination

The unstable environment of water challenges balance and coordination, helping to improve these skills safely and effectively.

4. Lower Risk of Injury

The supportive and low-impact environment of water minimizes the risk of injury during exercise, making it ideal for older adults and individuals with fragile bones or severe weakness.

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Health Conditions Benefiting from Aquatic Therapy

Arthritis

Studies have shown that aquatic therapy can significantly reduce pain and improve function in individuals with osteoarthritis. The buoyancy of water decreases joint stress, allowing for pain-free movement.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Aquatic therapy is commonly used for post-surgical rehabilitation, such as after knee or hip replacement surgery. The reduced weight bearing environment facilitates early movement and accelerates recovery.

Chronic Pain Conditions

For conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic back pain, aquatic therapy offers a gentle way to exercise without exacerbating symptoms. The soothing properties of water can help alleviate chronic pain and facilitate relaxation.

Conditions helped by aquatic therapy:

• Arthritis
• Total joint rehabilitation
• Post-surgery
• Shoulder pain
• Low back pain
• Hip, knee and ankle pain
• Rehabilitation after injury
• Difficulty with walking
• Sports rehabilitation

Facilities at Rehab Access

At Rehab Access, we proudly offer two of the only aquatic therapy clinics in the New Orleans area. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide an optimal therapeutic environment.

Specialized Equipment

Our clinics are equipped with:

• Therapeutic Pools: Featuring warm water to enhance muscle relaxation and pain relief.
• Underwater Treadmills: Ideal for gait training and lower body strengthening. Experience the difference with our HydroWorx treadmill in Metairie.
• Resistance Jets: Used to increase the intensity of exercises and provide additional resistance.

Expert Staff

Our team of licensed physical therapists specializes in aquatic therapy and is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. We provide compassionate care and guide you every step of the way.

Types of Aquatic Therapy Exercises

Range of Motion Exercises

These exercises focus on improving flexibility and joint mobility. Examples include shoulder circles and hip abductions performed in water.

Strengthening Exercises

Using water resistance, exercises like leg lifts and arm pulls help strengthen muscles without the strain associated with land-based workouts.

Aerobic Conditioning

Walking or jogging in water can improve cardiovascular health and endurance while minimizing impact on joints.

Explore the benefits of our aquatic therapy services

Aquatic therapy at Rehab Access offers a unique and effective approach to physical rehabilitation. With our advanced facilities and expert staff, we are committed to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or seeking pain relief, our aquatic therapy programs can provide the support and results you need.

Expert Care Tailored to Your Needs 

We strive to make our services as convenient and flexible as possible. With multiple locations across the New Orleans region (Metairie, Belle Chasse, and Gretna), extended hours during the week, and same-day appointments available, we are dedicated to making sure you receive the care you deserve. 

Book Your Personal Consultation  Call Us: 504-370-1733