Aquatic Therapy

At SROSM we are able to treat many types of patients and conditions using aquatic therapy which is performed in a warm water pool. From athletes to the elderly – before and after surgery – we often help patients who are experiencing back pain, osteoarthritis, joint pain, and regaining strength and range of motion after surgery on shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles. The warm water relaxes tight and sore muscles. After aquatic therapy many patients feel more flexible and have less pain.

Our aquatic therapy pools, located at our office in Spring, TX and Woodforest, are also equipped with a swim jet which can be used for turbulence, making it harder to run against, or swim against the current to increase strength. For patients who can’t bear weight or have a reduced weight-bearing requirement, the pool has a lift chair that is used to enter and exit safely.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Water is an excellent environment for patients who have difficulty with weight bearing activities due to arthritis, recent fracture, sprain, strains, or excessive weight but still need the benefits of physical therapy.

By exercising in water, blood vessels dilate, increasing the blood flow to the injury site. This brings more oxygen and nutrients to the injury site which promotes the healing process. Plus the pressure of the water increases blood circulation which can decrease swelling in the lower parts of the body.

The heated water helps aching muscles and joints to relax and improve blood circulation. Patients suffering from back pain and muscle spasms really benefit the most from the heat.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

You do not have to be a swimmer to participate in or benefit from aquatic therapy. Patients participating in aquatic therapy can expect the following benefits:

• Increased joint flexibility. By reducing gravity on the joints you’re able to increase your range of motion because it will be less painful to move in the water.
• Increase in muscle strength. Water is 600-700 times more resistive than air which allows for strengthening of weakened muscles.
• Decrease in pain. Being in warm water increases comfort by increasing blood supply to sore muscles and promoting relaxation.
• Improved balance.