AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPYWhat is "Aquatic Physical Therapy"?
Aquatic Physical Therapy is physical therapy that is done in a pool typically between 4 and 6 feet and between 82 and 90 degrees. It incorporates all of the principles of physical therapy on land, but allows for greater ease of movement and allows for earlier weight bearing, Aquatic physical therapy uses the inherent therapeutic principles of water. Aquatic Physical Therapy performed by a skilled therapist is ideal for increasing function in people with a variety of medical conditions.
Where will it be done?
Currently we are performing the Aquatic Physical Therapy at the Greendale YMCA, located at 75 Shore Drive in Worcester, as well as the Paxton Sports Center, located at 603 Pleasant Street in Paxton. Patients will have a formal physical therapy evaluation and pool preparation education at either our Worcester Center or Shrewsbury Center prior to beginning therapy in the pool.
What conditions are appropriate for Aquatic Physical Therapy?
Some conditions and patients that are ideal for Aquatic Physical Therapy include:
• Arthritis
• Acute injury
• Fibromyalgia
• Bariatrics
• Pre/postpartum patients with LBP
• Chronic pain
• Injuries requiring partial weight bearing
• Orthopedic injuries/surgeries including total
• Pre/Post Joint Replacement
• Deconditioning
• Athletes
Are there any patients that would not be good candidates for Aquatic Physical Therapy?
Patients experiencing or having the following would typically not be good aquatic physical therapy candidates:
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction.
• People with hydrophobia or an extreme fear of the water.
• Patients with open wounds or contagious skin conditions.
• Patients with infectious disease.
• Patients with a history of uncontrolled seizures.
You have a unique way of treating patients on both land and water. How is this accomplished?
The goal for most all patients is to function well on land, which is why we treat the patients in three different ways in the GPT Aquatic Program.
1) All Aquatic Therapy: Patients therapy is performed only in the aquatics setting. This is beneficial for patients with weight bearing issues, chronic pain, and bariatric patients.
2) Combination: Patient performs a combination of land physical therapy and aquatic physical therapy. This is beneficial for a many patients with various musculoskeletal conditions. This method also works well with athletes.
3) All Aquatic with Progression: Patient starts with all aquatic physical therapy and eventually progresses to land based therapy. Patients who benefit from this include those with acute injuries or those with long term conditions who improve to a point where land based therapy is more beneficial.
What about the pool itself?
The pool is 4 feet deep and approximately 86 degrees. There are stairs to enter the pool. Showers are available poolside and the facility has men, women, and family locker rooms.
What safety measures are being taken?
Life safety equipment is located at the pool. A phone and other staff are on site at all times in case of an emergency. The therapist works directly with the patient in the pool with them for the majority of the treatment session.
How do I sign up for Aquatic Physical Therapy at GPT?
Contact our Worcester location at 508-459-5000 and someone will be happy to set you up with an appointment.
