Aquatic Therapy at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
According to research, over 54 million Americans experience debilitating joint pain. While some seek treatment, many ignore the symptoms and leave the condition undiagnosed allowing the symptoms to worsen risking their mobility.
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we offer expert aquatic therapy to help patients regain musculoskeletal strength, agility, and flexibility.
As one of the most popular non-invasive treatment plans for orthopedic disorders, aquatic therapy is an evidence-based practice that involves physical therapy in an aquatic environment. Led by trained physical therapists, the treatment helps patients reduce the symptoms of orthopedic conditions and improve coordination.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Aquatic Therapy?
Our innovative and effective aquatic therapy program is ideal for patients experiencing the following symptoms:
- Joint stiffness and pain
- Reduced mobility
- Throbbing aches while moving the body in certain positions
- Redness and swelling
- Warmth and tenderness in the joints
- Fatigue
Aging adults experiencing aggravated symptoms can make the most of aquatic therapy without feeling overwhelmed.
Unlike rigorous medical exercise plans, aquatic therapy includes gentle yet effective physical therapy exercises that restore functionality and relieve pain without making the patient feel fatigued.
Its non-invasive nature further helps aging adults regain mobility and strength without undergoing surgery. However, aquatic therapy can also be utilized by patients recovering from arthroscopy, joint resurfacing, osteotomy, or arthroplasty.
Our Approach
Our expert team of specialists and physicians extensively examine each patient’s symptoms, thereby determining the best course of treatment. You may be prescribed aquatic therapy in tandem with medication.
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, each aquatic therapy session is led by trained and certified physical therapists who have extensive experience in this area. We utilize state-of-the-art orthotic and assistive equipment to help patients relieve musculoskeletal tension and enhance body mechanics.
Our physical therapists also incorporate manual therapy, functional training, and breathing strategies depending on the patient’s symptoms, age, lifestyle, and medical history. With a customized aquatic therapy plan, each patient receives individualized care that addresses their concerns including lower back pain, knee stiffness, or shoulder restriction, among others.
Our physical therapists are trained in the following innovative techniques:
- Watsu
- Ai Chi
- Burdenko Method
- Aqua Running
- Halliwick
- Bad Ragaz Ring Method
We also utilize a wide range of accessories, equipment, and devices, including:
- Resistance bands and tubing
- Pool buoys
- Weight-adjustable barbells
- Kickboards
- Swim belts
- Ankle weights
- Stationary bicycles
- Floatation rings
- Hand bars
- Exercise noodles
Benefits of Houston Physicians’ Hospital’s Aquatic Therapy Program
Our aquatic therapy program utilizes the natural buoyancy of water to enhance and ease pressure on the joints, thereby helping patients reap the benefits of land-based physical exercise without the impact and rigor on bones, joints, tendons and muscles.
Each therapy pool has optimal water balance to further reduce sensitivity and stress on the joint while increasing musculoskeletal strength.
Our aquatic therapy program offers the following benefits:
- Enhanced flexibility, mobility, agility, and strength
- Reduced swelling
- Reduced joint pain (including knee, elbow, hip, shoulder, and ankle pain)
- Muscle strengthening and relaxation
- Less pressure
- Gait training and strengthening
- Reduced pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain
- Faster recovery from total joint replacement
- Improved balance, coordination, and posture
- Reduced pain sensitivity
Conditions That May Require Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is an effective treatment plan for patients with the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic pain
- Cerebral palsy
- Sprains and strains
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Lower back pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Joint replacement or reconstruction surgery
- Sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendonitis
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Traumatic brain injury
Our saltwater aquatic therapy pools have an ideal temperature between 82–92 degrees to enhance body adaptability and facilitate musculoskeletal movement and coordination. We offer assiduous care and guidance to help patients feel comfortable and follow the exercises with ease.
Our individualized treatment plan ensures each patient is assisted every step of the way to help them get the most from each session. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, unable to bear the pressure of exercise on land, or experiencing debilitating joint pain, aquatic therapy is an effective treatment plan that reinstates mobility.
If you and your doctor are considering Aquatic Therapy, contact one of our physical therapy offices to talk about our approach and treatment plans. Our aquatic therapy program is open to patients across Southeast Texas—including South Houston, Galveston, Clear Lake, League City, and Webster.
