Aquatic Exercise Therapy

What Is Aquatic Exercise?Rehabilitative Exercises Performed in a Warm Water Environment.Use Water As a Buoyant Medium.

Types of Rehabilitation

Rehab needs to be designed with progression as the key element.

Need to get the athlete involved with their rehab.

Injury/surgery

SAIDLand

Water

Physiological Effects

Increased respiratory rateDecreased BPIncreased blood supply to musclesIncreased superficial circulationIncreased heart rateDecreased edemaMuscular relaxation

Therapeutic BenefitsMuscular relaxationReduces painDecreases muscle

spasmIncreases ease of

joint movementIncrease muscular

strength/endurance in cases of excessive weakness

Therapeutic Benefits Continued

Reduces gravitational forcesIncreases peripheral circulationImproves respiratory musclesImproves PNFImproves patient moral and confidence

(psychological)

The Aquatic Facility

Water depth Should be at least

shoulder height. 4-6 feet

Water temperature: 85-95 degrees

Design To accommodate free

movement for running and arm movements

The Aquatic FacilityEquipment

options:Water jetsAngled bottomDifferent depthsTreadmill/bikesViewing area

Aquatic Treatment Plan

Phase one- The Post Surgical or Acute Phase

Gentle ROM and strengthening

Mild Stretching of the healing structure

The use of other pain/swelling reducing modalities

Aquatic Treatment Plan

Phase two- the early exercise phase

Specific stretching exercises

The use of supportive and assistive exercise equipment

Muscle contraction without pain

Maintain strength whole body

Aquatic Treatment Plan

Phase three- the intermediate exercise phase

Stretching exercises Moderate progressive

resistance exercises using aquatic principles such as speed, turbulence

Full range movements

Aquatic Treatment Plan

Phase four- The Advanced Exercise

Flexibility and ROM exercise

Maximal resistive exercise

Muscular endurance (maximal repetitions)

Neuromuscular coordination

Aquatic Treatment Plan

Phase five- The Phase of Integration onto Land

Water and land exercises Aerobic conditioning Land-based program=

muscular strength, endurance

Rehabilitation Design/Plan

Pick an extremityDesign a rehab planInclude all five

phasesInclude sets/reps for

exercisesDefine equipment

usedBe creative