What is aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy treatment that takes place in the water. Aquatic therapy can be valuable for a variety of different patients to address their specific needs, challenges and impairments they may be facing. Aquatic therapy is not limited to any certain diagnosis, Aquatic therapy can be helpful when initiating an exercise program and addressing muscle strengthening, cardiovascular fitness, balance, mobility, and function.

Benefits of aquatic therapy

Pool exercises decrease the amount of stress and compressive forces placed on joints be gravity as well as aiding in the ease of movement of muscles and joints. The warmth helps relax muscles, and the buoyancy allows for easier movement during exercise. The pressure of the water around your joints can help reduce swelling, particularly in the joints of the legs and feet.

A supportive, warm-water environment is sometimes the best place to start for people with pain, as it allows them to begin moving and exercising without aggravating their symptoms.

Aquatic Therapy at alpine south

Our location within the Peak Health and Wellness Center on Blue Mountain Road gives Alpine’s physical therapists the opportunity to work with our patients in an 82° competition sized pool with both a shallow and deep end. When needed, patients can access the pool with a conveniently located patient lift chair or stairs with two railings. A large and comfortable therapeutic 105° hot pool is also available to help calm sore joints, perform stretches, and do relaxation exercises.

When you are scheduled for the aquatic therapy program, be sure to bring a bathing suit and towel with you to your session. Know that you can opt to wear a t-shirt and shorts while exercising.

Meet our team

Brace Hayden

PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Program director / Therapist

Gary Gales

PT, DPT, CMP

Aquatic Therapy specialist / Therapist

Jessica Kehoe

PT, DPT, CSCS

Aquatic Therapy specialist / Therapist

Aspen McHugh

PT, DPT

Aquatic Therapy specialist / Therapist