Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Therapy is an evidence-based practice uniquely designed by each certified aquatic therapist based on client needs & goals constructed to increase ambulation, balance, range of motion as well as increase muscle mass and provide a calming sensory environment to physiologically assist clients with emotional regulation and releasing tension within the body.
Goal focus
Ambulation & ROM (range of motion): Buoyancy provides natural environment for ambulation, improves functional mobility, decompression of spine, increases range of motion due to supportive feedback of water.
Coordination & balance: Water naturally provides 12-14% more resistance than land exercises, buoyancy supports the entire body by elongating the spine & increasing posture, aquatic environment is more supportive to joints and weakened muscles providing safe & stable practice for coordination and balance
Sensory integration: Hydrostatic pressure (think weighted blanket – equal and consistent amount of pressure), Vestibular stimulation (reduction in spatial imbalance), proprioceptive feedback (understanding where the body is in space – less uncontrolled movements), etc.
Emotional Regulation: Aquatic environments have been proven to promote relaxation and reduce stress, enhance mental clarity while providing mood stabilization, integrate mind-body connection (stillness in the body creates relaxation in the mind), etc.
Examples
Ambulation and balance
Range of motion (upper and lower extremities)
Spinal decompression
Locomotor movement pattern laps
Resistance exercises and breathing techniques
Watsu (spinal decompression/tension release)
Bad Ragaz (PNF – Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
