Utilizing the unique properties of water, aquatic therapy is an approach to physical therapy that allows patients to safely improve range of motion, strength, endurance, and balance in a warm water pool. It’s an effective alternative to traditional land-based therapy if you are unable to tolerate land exercise due to pain, poor endurance, balance, recent surgery, or immobilization.
There are several aspects of water that make it a wonderful environment for therapy. The buoyancy of water assists patients in supporting their own weight. This decreases the amount of pressure and stress placed on your joints. This can be especially useful for patients with arthritis. The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can easily be incorporated into a therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need for additional weight. Finally, hydrostatic pressure works to decrease swelling and improve join position awareness.
Aquatic therapy is beneficial for the following conditions:
- Low back, hip, knee, ankle, neck, and shoulder injuries
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis – hip, knee, and ankle (DJD)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurological conditions – MS, Parkinson’s, and stroke
- Spinal stenosis
- Low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy
- Pre or post op joint replacement
- Fractures – post immobilization or stress fractures with weight bearing restrictions
- Gait or balance difficulties
- Lower extremity weakness (or general weakness)
- Tendinitis
- Athletes
- Medial tibial stress syndrome
What should I expect at therapy sessions?
As an aquatic therapy patient, you will first have an office evaluation with your physical therapist to develop an individualized exercise program based on your needs and goals. From there, you’ll work one-on-one with your physical therapist, who will be in the water the entire treatment session with you. Aquatic therapy sessions with Medical Associates Clinic are held at the Dubuque YMCA located at 35 N Booth St, Dubuque, IA 52001. You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to participate. We currently offer sessions on Mondays from 9 to 11 AM and Fridays from 12:30 to 2:30 PM.
The therapeutic pool is heated to approximately 88-90 degrees with a graded depth of 3ft to 3.5ft. We do have the ability to use the large pool that is approximately 82 degrees and has a 3.5ft -5ft depth and a deep end if needed. Both pools have a lift available for patients who might have difficulty entering the pool via the stairs. There are stairs with two handrails that make it easy to enter the pool for ambulatory patients.
Even if you do not know how to swim or are fearful of water, you can still benefit from aquatic therapy. As mentioned, the pool is only 3.5 ft deep, your therapist is in the water with you at all times, and there are always two lifeguards on duty.
How can I get started?
If you are already being seen for physical therapy at Medical Associates, talk to your therapist about a referral. You can also ask your primary care provider for a referral for aquatic therapy. We do also accept self-referrals. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call our office at 563-584- 4465. We treat patients of all ages and most commercial insurances cover aquatic physical therapy, including Medicare and Medical Associates Health Plans Medicare Plan.
Sara Croghan, PT, DPT
Megan Kraciun, PT, DPT, OCS, CMT
Medical Associates Clinic
Physical Therapy Department
