Senior in water gymnastics aquatic physical therapy

Aquatic Therapy

Put the power of water to work in aquatic therapy, which is especially helpful for conditions that affect the ability to bear weight.

What is aquatic therapy?

Aquatic physical therapy uses skilled physical therapy in a water environment. The unique properties of water can enhance interventions for many injuries, including orthopedic, neurologic, skin, and cardiovascular conditions.

Is aquatic therapy the proper treatment?

Aquatic therapy interventions can improve function, endurance, balance, coordination, agility, flexibility, gait, and muscle strength.

The buoyancy of water absorbs most of the pressure your body weight puts on your joints. The hydrostatic pressure of water can reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and increase lymphatic flow to enhance healing while also enabling strength building.

woman using the physical therapy under water treadmill

Aquatic therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

Woman doing aquatic physical therapy in the swimming pool

Aquatic therapy benefits

The benefits of aquatic therapy include:

  • Improve function
  • Improve endurance
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Enhance agility and flexibility
  • Promote muscle strength
  • Reduces swelling
  • Allows movement and activity with reduced load on joints

What to expect

Your first physical therapy appointment is about creating a personalized treatment plan based on your health history, diagnosis, and goals. Here’s what you can expect at your first physical therapy appointment:

Your first appointment will last about an hour. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

If applicable, bring your physician referral or prescription, insurance card, paperwork, ID, and co-payment.

At your appointment, we’ll do an initial evaluation and discuss your care plan.

*Services are not available at every location. Visit our Locations page for more details.

Physical therapy insurance & payment options

We work with most major insurance providers. Although coverage will vary from plan to plan, many physical therapy, occupational therapy and speciality therapy programs are covered under insurance. Learn more about our insurance coverage and self-pay options for physical therapy.