Aquatic Physical Therapy is the application of physical therapy techniques by a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant, in an aquatic setting. The water environment provides a level of resistance and buoyancy that facilitates many different types of therapeutic interventions, and is low-impact resulting in greater patient comfort.
Benefits
Water provides many therapeutic benefits that enhance physical therapy sessions. Pools or tubs that are used for physical therapy are kept at a very warm temperature, generally close to that of the normal body temperature, which induces relaxation while increasing circulation throughout the body. Additionally, the buoyancy and support of water allows people with muscular weakness to work more independently than they would ordinarily be able to. In the water, most people also experience decreased pain.
Uses
Aquatic therapy is useful for many different conditions and is generally used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Therapists may recommend aquatic therapy for gait training (learning to walk or improve function in walking) and for individuals who are unable to put stress on joints, bones or muscles while they are healing. For gait training, in particular, the support of the water can decrease the patient's dependence on assistive devices.
Practitioners
Any licensed physical therapist (PT) can provide aquatic therapy, and has training in its use. Individual states set their own licensing regulations for PTs and do not require specific certification in aquatic therapy as a condition of licensure. PTs who work in aquatic therapy can take advanced and continuing education courses through a variety of organizations. The Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute offers an Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification to PTs who complete 15 hours of specialized training and pass a professional board exam.
Contraindications
Although the majority of patients who need physical therapy can benefit from aquatic therapy activities, there are some conditions that contraindicate the use of water as a setting for treatment. Examples of major contraindications would include: uncontrollable seizure disorders, severe incontinence problems, open wounds and unhealed tracheotomies. There are other conditions that do not necessarily preclude the use of aquatic therapy, but require additional precautions, such as controlled seizures, hydrophobia (fear of water) or a compromised immune system.
Techniques
There are numerous different approaches to aquatic therapy that include techniques developed by therapists from around the world. According to the National Center on Physical Activity and disability, two of the more commonly used methods include: Bad Ragaz Ring Method, which uses specific patterns of relaxation and range of motion to re-educate muscles and the Halliwick Method, which is made up of a ten point program that aims to teach people of all physical abilities to swim while improving muscular control. Therapists may also use massage techniques during aquatic therapy sessions.
Tags: aquatic therapy, aquatic therapy, physical therapist, Aquatic Physical, Aquatic Physical Therapy