Did you know that there are therapeutic interventions that can be done in the water? Spoiler-they can!  Physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy can all be performed in the water!

The 5 Basic Benefits of Aquatic Therapy:

1. Better Balance and Stability

Water helps individuals to maintain balance in standing and walking as it floats the body.

2. Muscular Relaxation

Pools used for therapy are warmer (around 85 degrees) which helps:

• Relax tight muscles
• Increases muscular range of motion
• Decreases high tone
• Decrease muscle spasticity and rigidness

3. Reduce Pain

For individuals recovering from injuries such as fractures, working in a pool can help decrease pain and is easier because their bodies are supported by the water, which helps with energy conservation and more fluid movement.

4. Improved Mobility

Body's can move easier in water due to the fact that water's buoyancy offsets an individual's body weight. Because of this fact, there is less weight (and stress) on the joints, making it easier to move when the body is submerged in the water. 

5. Sensory Input

Water provides sensory input for individuals, which can be particularly beneficial for those who have increased sensory needs, thus allowing individuals to focus more on their therapy goals.

Shout out to Meghan Tullos, physical therapist assistant for sharing her knowledge on the benefits of aquatic therapy! Meghan most of her professional career as an aquatic therapy provider, and has seen firsthand how beneficial aquatic therapy can be!