Aquatic Therapy

Discover the Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Today

Did You Know A Wide Variety of Painful Conditions Can be Relieved with Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy treatment that takes place in water, generally in an in-clinic pool.

It is also commonly known as hydrotherapy or aquatic rehabilitation and has soothing properties that can benefit you if you are seeking pain relief and relaxation.

At Moon Physical Therapy, we are the ONLY rehab facility to offer the most advanced form of aquatic therapy today, the Hydroworx 350. It is a private, state-of-the-art hydrotherapy system with many distinct features that set it apart from standard therapy pools.

• We are able to quickly vary the water depth with the touch of a button to safely unweight patients or to challenge patients further, which allows for an easier transition to land
• The underwater treadmill accurately simulates land-based walking, retro-walking, jogging and sprinting with underwater treadmill speeds ranging from 0.2-10 mph.
• Resistance jets allow for increased conditioning, strength, and flexibility
• An attachable underwater massage hose can be employed for scar tissue manipulation, deep tissue massage, and overall wellness enhancement.

This revolutionary therapy can provide truly amazing results for patients of all ages who are suffering from a wide range of diseases, injuries and conditions.

To learn more about how our licensed Mililani, and Kailua physical therapist can assist you with aquatic therapy treatments in our Hydroworx 350, contact Moon Physical Therapy today!

What can I find with aquatic therapy sessions?

Aquatic therapy at Moon Physical Therapy is able to provide the following:

• Hydrostatic pressure. With its hydrostatic pressure, you’re supported and don’t have to fear falling while performing exercises.
• Buoyancy. Water has a natural buoyancy for flotation and reduces gravity on aching muscles and joints. There is less pain when you exercise in water.
• Wave propagation/turbulence. Wave propagation and turbulence allow your physical therapist to gently manipulate your body.
• Resistance. Its natural resistance can be used to increase the rehabilitation process and strengthen muscles.
• Relaxation. It provides a soothing and relaxing environment for aching muscles and joints.
• Improved Breathing. The respiratory muscles are forced to work harder during aquatic therapy, which helps you breathe better.
• Relief. It can help provide relief for many conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, lower back pain, orthopedic injuries, sprains, strains, and tendonitis.

 

What’s in it for me?

Water’s natural properties set the stage for a very therapeutic environment. Did you know that aquatic therapy is a method of relief that has been practiced for hundreds of years by many cultures?

The ancient Romans and Greeks bathed in hot springs for relaxation and to improve circulation. Hippocrates believed hot springs could heal sickness.

Swiss monks were well known to use thermal waters to treat sick people. The Japanese use hot springs to treat skin problems and relieve chronic pain.

The benefits of aquatic therapy include:

• Assisting with locomotion and gait
• Improving flexibility and movement
• Improving coordination and balance
• Increasing aerobic capacity for better health
• Enhancing the healing process to decrease recovery time
• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
• Building muscle strength and endurance

Aquatic therapy may be added to your current physical therapy treatment plan under the discretion of our Mililani, and Kailua physical therapist.

He or she will assist you in the movements that will best help you find relief.

So, how exactly does aquatic therapy work?

Aquatic therapy sessions are very organized and typically begin with a warm-up. They all take place in the water and will likely begin with gentle, low-resistance exercises to target the core, lower and upper extremities.

This may include brief walking and light stretches. Then they will turn to more injury specific activities, such as spinal stabilization, strengthening, balance and endurance training.

After your session, you will also have some cool-down methods. In many clinics, there will be hydrotherapy jets or a massage hose that provides a deep tissue massage-like experience. This prevents lactic acid from building up and feels great!

Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that we are happy to offer at Moon Physical Therapy. One of the biggest benefits of aquatic therapy is it’s FUN!

Not many of us will stick with an exercise program that is painful and awkward and so an exercise program must be not only beneficial but enjoyable. We all want to lead longer and healthier lives, but exercise can be difficult if not impossible, especially for those with health problems. Our Mililani, and Kailua physical therapists recognize the positive, healing effect of using water treatments. They understand it is one of the healthiest things that you can do to improve blood pressure, increase cardiovascular endurance, lose weight, help depression, increase flexibility and muscle strength.

Want to get started with our aquatic therapy sessions?

If you are in Mililani or Kailua looking for relief and relaxation, aquatic therapy will likely be beneficial to you. Request an appointment with Moon Physical Therapy today to get started!