“MAKE A SPLASH!!! GET BETTER!!!
Aquatic Therapy is one of the most effective types of rehab for a wide variety of patients. OSU Sports Medicine offers aquatic physical therapy in both the warm water (88-92 degrees) and cool water (80-84 degrees) pools. Licensed physical therapists provide individualized programs for each patient. A doctor’s referral for aquatic therapy is required.
Benefits:
- The physical properties of water provide an excellent medium for exercise.
- Bouyancy reduces weight bearing forces on weak and/or painful joints and makes exercise less painful.
- Water pressure reduces swelling, works the breathing muscles and helps circulate the blood from the legs to the heart.
- Moving through the water increases strength, improves sensory and proprioceptive awareness and allows for strengthening in all directions.
- Warm water promotes relaxation, increases circulation, increases muscle’s ability to stretch.
Who Can Benefit:
- Sports injuries - athletes can return to sport-specific activity sooner
- Orthopedic injuries/disorders
- Arthritis
- Injuries limiting the body’s ability to bear weight
- Traumatic injuries
- Work injuries
- Lymphedema
- Balance disorders
- Chronic pain/fibromyalgia - patients will learn to be independent with pool exercise program to manage symptoms
Contraindications:
Patients with the following are not allowed to participate in aquatic therapy for their protection and the protection of other patients:
- Fever>100' F or 38' C
- Cardiac failure, cardiac arrhythmia or less than 6 weeks post myocardial infarction
- Infectious disease including waterborne disease (typhoid, cholera, dysentery), skin rashes, influenza, gastrointestinal UTI
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Open wounds
- Fecal incontinence
- Menstruation without internal protection
- Perforated eardrums
Precautions:
- Seizure disorders: Patient must have a prescription or letter from the physician stating the seizure is controlled with medication
- Urinary incontinence: Patient must wear an approved swim diaper to enter the pool
The OSU Sports Medicine team will provide the quality of care that will enable the patient to either progress to a land based exercise program or transition to a community based or independent aquatic program. Call our offices for more information or to schedule an appointment today.
Aquatic therapy is offered at the following locations:
Grove City YMCA 3580 Discover Drive, Grove City OH 614.293.1068
Hilliard YMCA 6048 Woodsview Way, Hilliard OH 614.293.6384
