Aquatic Physical Therapy

For clients with weight-bearing limitations or with sensitive joints, Aquatic Physical Therapy often provides a successful course of treatment. Performed in a warm pool at the Central Community Branch YMCA in Worcester, it incorporates all the principles of physical therapy, but allows clients to move joints and lift weights more easily and with greater comfort.

Aquatic Physical Therapy uses the inherent therapeutic principles of water to relieve stiff joints and increase blood flow to the sight of injury. The natural buoyancy of water supports your body weight and decreases joint stress during an exercise program. Our skilled therapists are right with you. This treatment is especially ideal for people with medical conditions that affect joints and muscles, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

What Conditions are Appropriate for Aquatic Physical Therapy?

Aquatic Physical Therapy is ideal to treat:

• Arthritis
• Acute injury Fibromyalgia
• Pre/postpartum patients with LBP
• Chronic pain
• Injuries requiring partial weight bearing
• Orthopedic injuries/surgeries 
• Pre/Post Joint Replacement
• Athletes

How Does Aquatic Physical Therapy Compare to Traditional Physical Therapy?

Some patients benefit more from Aquatic Physical Therapy than from traditional physical therapy. Greendale Physical Therapy, LLC offers three methods for treating patients in our Aquatic Program :

All Aquatic Therapy

Therapy is conducted only in the aquatics setting. This can be beneficial for patients with weight bearing issues and chronic pain.

Combination

A blend of traditional physical therapy and aquatic physical therapy this can be beneficial for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The combination method can also work well for athletes.

Aquatic Therapy with Progression

We begin entirely with Aquatic Physical Therapy, then progress to traditional physical therapy. This method can work well for patients with acute injuries, or for those with conditions that improve with Aquatic Physical Therapy and can later “graduate” to traditional therapy.

What About the Pool Itself?

The pool is located at the Central Community Branch YMCA located at 766 Main Street in Worcester. Stairs help you safely enter the pool, there is also a lift available. Lifeguards are present, and life safety equipment is located poolside. There are locker rooms for men, women, and families. Showers are also available.

Prior to beginning therapy in the pool, patients will have a formal physical therapy evaluation and pool orientation at our Worcester, Shrewsbury, Clinton or Marlborough clinic. Contact our Worcester location at 508–459-5000, or by email, and we will be happy to set you up with an appointment.