What is Aquatic Physical Therapy?
Aquatic Physical Therapy is the scientific practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by physical therapists and physical therapists assistants.
Aquatic Physical Therapy includes, but is not limited to treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness, and fitness of patient/client populations in an aquatic environment.
The unique properties of the aquatic environment enhances treatments for patients/clients across the age span with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary (skin) disease, disorders, or conditions.
We have been providing Aquatic Therapy for almost 30 years in Southern California.
Click here for a list of our locations that offer Aquatic Therapy.
Get more answers to Aquatic Therapy Frequently Asked Questions!
Southern California Sports Rehabilitation offers Aquatic Therapy as an excellent low impact activity for individuals of all abilities from recent post- op patients to professional athletes.
Aquatic therapy activities consist of cardiovascular endurance and conditioning and strengthening exercises. Often traditional physical therapy is delayed because patients cannot tolerate weight- bearing activities.
Aquatic Therapy allows the therapist to initiate rehab at an earlier stage, resulting in the patient returning to his/her activities of daily living in the shortest time period possible.
Aquatic Therapy Testimonials
"I've been doing Aquatic Therapy for approximately 20 sessions with Jessica and Sam. I've found the therapy to be incredibly beneficial. My range of motion has increased and I've been feeling stronger. I still experience pain in my knees but I see the value in aquatic therapy.
At 92 years young, I've tried everything to manage pain. I'm glad to be doing this and I look forward to more sessions. I want to get stronger and feel pain relief. This is good for quality of life improvement. The team here is supportive and encourages my development."
- Isidoro Moreno
“Absolutely love the therapists and the energy they provide in aqua-therapy class”
- Francesca
"I feel the pool therapy is helping for my pain.
When I'm in the pool my body feels very light and I'm able to do my exercise.”
- Sorozh H.
“Aquatic Therapy has helped me with my overall movement and I have less pain than I used to. I’m able to work out longer in the water than I am in the gym and I now have more flexibility.
Aquatic therapy helped me recover faster from my condition than land therapy has.”
- Sheri F.
"The aquatic therapy is great therapy not only for the body but for the mind, especially with caring instructors, one begins to feel your body moving in the water with ease. It’s been great. (West Covina)"
- Kinjin C.
"Thank you for your help.
Aqua therapy is the way to be happy!
- Emmanuel in Burbank
"The pool treatment is good for my pain.
My back pain bothers me a lot, with the pool treatments, I was feeling much better.
The instructors are great, too. They are a plus for my treatment."
- Yen Ken C.
What is The Difference Between "Aquatic Physical Therapy" and Aquatic Exercise"?
- The clinical reasoning and decision making skills of a PT/PTA.
- The patient has impairments and/or disabilities which can be minimized or eliminated with aquatic therapy
- The patient has the potential for reaching new functional goals/outcomes to improved quality of life and ease the burden of care.
What Are The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy?
Physical benefits of Aquatic Physical Therapy:
- Earlier movement of limbs
- Improved functional mobility
- Reduction of pain
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved flexibility or range of motion
- Improved cardiovascular endurance
- Pressure relief and improved circulation
- Improved balance and coordination
- Improved gait (walking pattern)
- Improved muscle tone
- Improved muscle strength, power, and endurance
- Decreased muscle spasms
Psychological benefits of Aquatic Physical Therapy:
- Improved body image and self-esteem
- Enhanced mood
- Increased patience
- Stress and tension release
- Renewed energy
- Promotes a positive attitude
How Does Aquatic Therapy Work?
- Buoyancy
The buoyant effect of water helps the patient by giving additional assistance and support. A patient in waist deep, chest deep, and neck deep water weighs 50%, 30%, and 10% of their actual body weight. The water helps support the patient's body weight which allows the patient to perform exercises with less stress on weight-bearing joints, bones, i.e., spine, and muscles. This allows the patient to exercise through a greater range of motion.
- Hydrostatic Pressure
The hydrostatic effect of water helps blood from the lower extremities circulate to the heart. This often results in reduced swelling in the ankles and feet, reduced pain, and greater range of motion while exercising.
- Resistance
The resistance of the water is exerted in every direction, unlike gravity which provides direction in only one direction. This multi- directional resistance promotes muscle balance and strengthening.
Who Can Benefit From Aquatic Therapy?
Virtually all injuries and rheumatic conditions can be treated with Aquatic Therapy.
Common Diagnoses include the following:
- Sports and work-related injuries requiring rapid rehabilitation
- Lower extremity fractures with internal fixation allowing for early ROM with minimal weight bearing
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Repetitive Strain/Stress Disorders
- Lumbar Strain
- Sciatica
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Post- op Lumbar Surgeries
- Knee and Hip Replacement Surgeries
- Ankle Reconstruction Surgery
- Stroke
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Cardiac Disorders
Is Aquatic Therapy covered by Insurance?
Work comp insurances companies we accept:
- SCIF – State Comp Insurance Fund
- The Hartford
- Liberty Mutual
- Travelers
- Gallagher Bassett
- Sedgwick
- Amtrust
- Compwest
- Department of Labor
Contracted with 3rd parties we accept:
- One Call
- Medrisk
- Orchid
- Homelink
- Therapy Direct
- THM
Contracted HMO’s and PPO’s we accept:
- Omnicare
- United Healthcare
- Anthem Blue Cross PPO
- Blue Shield PPO
- Cigna
What Situations Would Be Contraindicated For Aquatic Therapy?
- Fever
- Skin Rashes
- Open Wounds
- Infectious Diseases
- Uncontrolled Seizures
- Bladder or Bowel Incontinence
When would you benefit from having aquatic therapy? ”When my patients have questions about Aquatic Therapy I like to share these frequently asked questions with them. A lot of times it puts their minds at ease and gives them a treatment option they never knew about.” – Dr. Samuel Rabizadeb P.T., D.P.T., C.H.T. If you…
As doctors and patients look for effective alternatives to traditional physiotherapy, Aquatic Therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, continues to grow in popularity for a wide variety of conditions. There’s no mystery here: Aquatic Therapy is just physical therapy in water, usually in the form of a heated pool, so that a great number of rehabilitative…
As the State of California relaxes social distancing and masking restrictions, pools are being allowed to reopen for aquatic therapy. I wanted to inform you that we will be able to utilize the 24 Hour Fitness pools in Burbank, Riverside & Upland effective June 21st. A more complete list of pools with opening dates appears…
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