Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is an active therapeutic intervention that takes place in water. The aquatic environment provides buoyancy, increased resistance and warmth. Advocates of aquatic therapy have proposed that water allows an ease of active movement, trunk stabilization, relaxation of spastic muscles, improved circulation, strengthening and functional activity training.
Things to Consider
- You should always discuss any exercise program with your health care provider before beginning
- Aquatic therapy can be for individuals of any age or gender
- Aquatic therapy programs are usually performed in chest-deep water
- No swimming skills are necessary
Results
Will I live longer if I utilize aquatic therapy?
Scientific evidence is not available to indicate that aquatic therapy will lengthen your life.
Will aquatic therapy improve my quality of life?
Aquatic therapy can improve circulation and decrease the likelihood of worsening an injury or re-injury which may improve your quality of life.
Does aquatic therapy make my symptoms better?
As with any exercise it may make you feel better by improving your flexibility and strength and decreasing your discomfort.
Safety
How safe is this for me?
Aquatic therapy provides a safe and effective therapeutic environment for individuals who are limited in their movement on land.
Comparison
The alternative is traditional physical therapy without the benefit of aquatic therapy.
Cost
The cost will vary depending on the aquatic therapy program and the facility where you choose to participate, along with the supplies you will need. These supplies include a swimsuit, aqua-shoes, a swim cap and earplugs.
The cost may or may not be covered by insurance.
Sources
The following are off-site links 
:
Arthritis Foundation. (2006). Exercise and arthritis: Water exercise. Retrieved July 27, 2007 from http://www.arthritis.org/exercise-water.php.
American Physical Therapy Association. (2007). For the young at heart. Retrieved July 23, 2007 from
http://www.apta.org/AM/Images/APTAIMAGES/ContentImages/ptandbody/youngatheart/YoungAtHeart.pdf
Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute. (2004). Safety standards for aquatic therapy and rehabilitation practitioners. Retrieved July 23, 2007 from http://www.atri.org/articles/Standards.pdf.
Mayo Clinic. (2006, June). Slide show: Take the plunge with aquatic exercise. Retrieved July 23, 2007 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aquatic-exercise/SM00055.
Next Review Date
This document has been classified as public information.
Table of Findings
results: moderate value
safety: moderate value
comparison: intermediate value
cost: little value
total: moderate value
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