What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy uses a combination of the physical properties of water (buoyancy, reduced gravity and hydrostatic pressure), to gently rehabilitate acute, chronic and post-surgical patients. It may be used as a substitute or adjunct to land based exercises.

What patients can benefit from Aquatic Therapy?

A broad spectrum of patients can benefit from aqua therapy. Below are a few common problems/diagnoses that can be effectively treated.

• Low Back Pain
• Arthritis (Osteo and Rheumatoid)
• Hip Pain
• Knee Pain
• Gait Deviations
• Balance Difficulties
• Chronic Pain
• Fibromyalgia
• General Deconditioning
• S/P surgery

Who does Aquatic Therapy at NPTC?

All aquatic patients are evaluated and treated by licensed physical therapy personnel. Our aqua therapists also have extensive training and education specific to aquatic therapy. We generally see patients one on one and can work with those who may not be comfortable in water.

What are the Therapeutic benefits of Aquatic Therapy?

1. Reduced gravitational forces that protect inflamed joints from compressive forces.
2. Gently increases muscle strength and range of motion.
3. Improves body awareness, balance and trunk stability.
4. Reduces muscle spasm and pain sensitivity.
5. Peripheral circulation and lymphatic return are enhanced secondary to soft tissue compression
6. Patients can begin rehab earlier and progress faster to land-based physical therapy.
7. It is a fun way to exercise without increasing pain.

Where is the Pool located?

NPTC has a 30’ x 10’ pool located within the clinic. The water and air temperatures are maintained at 93 degrees, a warmer level than community or recreational pools. We also have separate changing facilities for men and women; each is equipped with lockers for personal items, two showers and a rest room with a dressing area.

We invite you to come and take a tour of our facility, or call for further details!

Please see our pool brochure for more information (PDF Format)

Norfolk Physical Therapy Pool Brochure (1.4 megabytes)