Ways That Aquatic Therapy Complements Traditional Medicine

Aquatic therapy provides a host of benefits for patients which serves as a secondary source to traditional medicine. The methods of treatment are appropriate for patients of all ages which is why it is an ideal environment for people with varying fitness levels and medical needs.

What Is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy that healthcare providers perform in an aquatic environment. Professionals also refer to aquatic therapy as rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and hydrotherapy. A person who performs aquatic therapy generally already has either an athletic trainer or physical therapy certification which is legally required in the United States.

Depending on the needs of each patient, aquatic therapy treatment may aim to enhance coordination, strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Trainers and physical therapists may also develop treatment plans to help patients manage weight loss, reduce stress, or relax.

Aquatic therapy differs from aquatic fitness in that medical professionals use knowledge of medical training and treatment to help patients overcome chronic conditions and illnesses. This form of medicine depends solely on the oversight of trained aquatic professionals who specialize and work in medical clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.

What Are The Advantages Of Aquatic Therapy?       

Therapy that takes place in a therapeutic pool with warm water provides significant benefits for patients who need to recover from a wide range of illness or injuries. It is also ideal for patients recovering from surgical and non-surgical procedures. Some patients may have chronic pain or neurological disorders that require on-going therapy. Other people may have rheumatologic or orthopedic issues that need alternative treatment to avoid additional injury.

Maryland Pain & Wellness Center takes a multi-discipline approach to treatment, so patients have access to a broader spectrum of medical professionals that work in unison to work to bring about a structured recovery. Furthermore, the procedures offered by the aquatic specialists can safely and reliably improve short and long-term core body function and mobility.

Other benefits of aquatic therapy include:

• Enhancement of muscle strength, joint flexibility, and range of motion.
• Water creates a safer environment that prevents further injuries.
• Therapy helps with pain management as it reduces limitations due to weight and enhances blood supply to muscles which maximizes comfort levels for patients.
• Specialists who take hands-on approaches to rehabilitation increases the chance of a progressive recovery for patients who have neurological injuries.
• Aquatic environments increase the use of a patient’s respiratory muscles which has long-term advantages that allow for natural conditioning.
• The resistance of movement maximizes the benefits for patients with muscle and balance disorders.
• Techniques like wave propagation and turbulence benefit patients because of the ability to adapt to training exercises.
• Hydrostatic pressure provides a stable environment for a balanced cardio workout.
• The water’s surface disrupts gravity so patients can float and reduce the pain associated with muscles and joint deterioration.

Aquatic therapy increases a patient’s quality of life. As water is preferred to land-based equipment, patients tend to comply and follow-up with alternative recovery plans that are fun and smoothing in nature. To receive more information on aquatic therapy, contact us here.