Aquatic therapy, or pool therapy, is ideal for relieving pain and improving function. Water provides a fun, comfortable environment to re-initiate limb and body movement.
Aquatic therapy is available in the adaptive pool at Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Rehab Center with the support of our experienced physical therapists. We use specially designed exercise equipment and train you in specific exercise movements. In addition, our therapy team will personalize your treatment plan to your specific needs and goals.
Therapy takes place in the heated pool and is an ideal method to relieve pain and improve function because it uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing. Warm water helps to increase circulation, respiratory rate, muscle metabolism, strength, flexibility, and ease of movement while reducing pain through decreased weight-bearing and reduced joint stress.
Conditions Treated
Aquatic therapy can be advantageous for people unable to exercise on land. Some conditions that may benefit from aquatic therapy include:
Arthritis
Back pain
Post-joint replacement or orthopedic surgeries
Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain conditions that have limited function
Any orthopedic condition with pain or limited function
Stroke
Spinal Cord Injury
Head Injury
Neck, shoulder, and arm pain
Aquatic therapy can be ideal if you’re recovering from an injury or illness and need water rehab services or looking to improve overall fitness and sports performance. In addition, most people living with a disability can participate in aquatic therapy, and swimming experience is unnecessary.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Buoyancy: The buoyancy of water supports up to 90% of body weight, reducing the force of stress placed on the joints and making it easier and less painful to perform exercises.
Resistance: The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance in all directions, allowing muscle strengthening without weights.
Hydrostatic Pressure: The water surrounding the body decreases joint and soft tissue swelling, blood pressure, and spasticity.
Heat: The warmth of the water relaxes muscles and vasodilates vessels, increasing blood flow to injured areas and allowing for an increased range of motion.
Referrals and Insurance
Patients need a prescription from their doctor to enroll in aquatic therapy at Allied Services. Most health insurance policies provide insurance coverage for this program.
To schedule an appointment, contact Allied Services in Wilkes-Barre at 570-826-3900. Contact us to learn more, or start your referral process today.
