Have you ever struggled with physical therapy exercises because you find the movements too painful or difficult? Do you worry about losing your balance during exercise? Are you afraid that these limitations might impede your progress?

Don’t be! At Lycoming Physical Therapy, we understand that physical therapy can be tough, which is one of many reasons we offer on-site aquatic therapy.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that takes place in a heated pool and uses the water’s properties to support rehabilitation. Unlike traditional land-based PT, aquatic therapy allows for movement with reduced strain on the body, making it an excellent option for people with mobility challenges or joint pain. 

Aquatic therapy also doesn’t involve swimming. In fact, many aquatic therapy exercises mirror land-based exercises, and our pool depth ranges from four feet to six feet to accommodate all patients, regardless of their comfort level in the water.

Still not sure if aquatic therapy is right for you? Our physical therapists have compiled some of the key benefits of aquatic therapy to help you understand its various benefits. And if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Does Stress Cause Neck Pain?

Ten Reasons to Give Aquatic Therapy a Try

1. Less Joint Stress, More Movement

Water’s buoyancy reduces exercise’s impact on joints, allowing for movement that may be too painful on land. This is especially beneficial for people with arthritis, joint injuries, or chronic pain. The reduced weight-bearing effect makes it easier to complete strengthening and mobility exercises with greater comfort.

2. Improved Strength Without Heavy Impact

Water provides natural resistance, making it an effective way to build muscle without heavy weights or high-impact movements. Even just moving your limbs through the water can help build strength and endurance, and we often incorporate buoyant water weights to further develop muscle strength while minimizing joint strain.

3. Enhanced Balance and Coordination

Many of our patients worry about falling when engaging in physical therapy, but the water’s support removes that risk. Aquatic therapy exercises like water walking, standing leg lifts, and core stabilization movements also help to improve coordination and prevent falls — an essential benefit for older adults and those recovering from neurological conditions.

4. Pain Reduction Through Hydrostatic Pressure

Water’s natural pressure supports the body and reduces swelling. This can relieve pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, post-surgical recovery, or other concerns. The pressure also helps improve circulation, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

5. Increased Range of Motion and Mobility

The warm water in our gently heated pools promotes muscle relaxation, making it easier to stretch and move without discomfort. Many patients find they can perform movements in water that would be difficult or painful on land, leading to improved mobility over time.

6. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery or Injury

Aquatic therapy allows patients to begin rehabilitation exercises sooner than traditional land-based therapy. Exercising in a low-impact setting supports early-stage recovery, preventing muscle loss and promoting a smoother return to daily activities.

7. Effective Cardiovascular Conditioning

Water-based versions of classic aerobic exercises, such as jogging or cycling in the pool, provide excellent cardiovascular benefits without the same level of stress as their land-based counterparts. This makes aquatic therapy a great option for those with heart conditions or joint pain that limits traditional cardio exercise.

8. Improved Quality of Life for Chronic Conditions

Aquatic therapy can significantly enhance the daily lives of individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. The warm water and supportive environment can help you stay active, a key factor in managing these conditions. 

9. Customized Workouts for Every Ability Level

We adjust our aquatic therapy programs to meet your individual goals. Whether working on basic mobility or advanced strength training, we’ll find the right approach for you. For example, we often incorporate aquatic tools like resistance drag bells, ankle weights, and kickboards to tailor exercises to each person’s goals and abilities.

10. More Enjoyable Therapy Experience

Many patients find aquatic therapy more comfortable and enjoyable than traditional physical therapy. The warm water, supportive environment, and reduced pain levels provide a more positive experience, encouraging consistency and long-term participation.

LSVT BIG

LSVT BIG — Take the Next Step Toward Better Mobility and Balance!

Lycoming Physical Therapy is excited to report one of our PT/PTA teams is now certified to complete LSVT BIG treatments. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG is a specific exercise program developed to treat patients with Parkinson’s Disease. However, in recent years this program has been shown in several case studies to also improve balance and mobility in patients with various other neurological conditions such as chronic stroke.

In a case study published by the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, a patient with chronic stroke had shown improvements in upper extremity range of motion and strength and decreased spasticity after completing treatment, allowing her to complete improved quality of movement.

This program focuses upon the improvement of amplitude of movements at both upper and lower extremities. Treatments are intensive and utilize principles of neuroplasticity and motor learning with tasks that are salient to the individual. Treatments work to recalibrate  movement patterns in order to improve balance, gait speed and length, and functional movements. LSVT BIG can be customized to each individual’s limitations and abilities in order to maximize their tolerance and function. The treatment is very patient centered and a large portion of training is focused on patient specific goals, such as improving the ability to reach into a cupboard, shut the car door or even put on pants.

Treatment sessions are 60 minutes in length and are 4 times per week for a duration of 4 weeks in the LSVT BIG protocol.

Ready to take control of your movement? Contact us today to learn more about how LSVT BIG can help you achieve your goals. Call us today to schedule your consultation.

Let’s work together to get you moving better, one step at a time!