Aquatic Physical Therapy

Aquatic physical therapy is designed for rehabilitation of physical impairments. By performing restorative exercises in a swimming pool, aquatic physical therapy adds a safe new dimension to recovery and can be a valuable tool in your physical therapy regimen.

You do not have to know how to swim to receive aquatic physical therapy. If you are uncomfortable wearing a bathing suit, dark shorts and a t-shirt are allowed. Aquatic physical therapy is available at the Maury County YMCA . If you use a wheelchair for mobility, there is a lift chair to assist getting you in and out of the YMCA pool.

What conditions are treated with aquatic therapy?

Aquatic physical therapy is a safe, low-impact treatment beneficial for patients with numerous conditions as well as recovery following orthopedic surgery. Those who may benefit include patients who have experienced:

• ACL repair

• Arthritis
• Amputation

• Back pain

• Decreased mobility and endurance

• Fibromyalgia
• Neurological disorders

• Knee scope

• Most other conditions causing pain

• Multiple sclerosis

• Muscle strains

• Orthopedic problems, pre-operative and post-operative

• Pediatric disorders

• Recent mastectomy

• Recovery after a broken bone

• Sports injuries

• Sprained ankle

• Tendonitis

• Total hip replacement

• Total knee replacement

What makes aquatic therapy different from other types of exercise?

Patients often remark, “I could never do these exercises on land.”

The water provides a good environment for strengthening the body without the pain many people feel from “regular” exercises.

What are the benefits of aquatic therapy?

• Decreased weight bearing through your spine and lower extremities

• Buoyancy of water makes exercising easier and less painful

• Increased resistance from moving against the water for strengthening

• Heated pool helps with flexibility and loosening up stiff joints

• Decreased pain with aquatic exercises can help increase endurance

• Increased hydrostatic pressure to aid in decreasing swelling in the back/lower leg

Will my insurance cover aquatic therapy?

Most insurance companies have aquatic therapy as a covered benefit. As a courtesy to you, we will contact your insurance carrier prior to your first visit to determine if your insurance will cover your treatment.

Once a physician referral is obtained, an evaluation may be scheduled by calling Maury Regional's Physical Therapy Center at 931.380.4014 or Sports Physical Therapy at 931.388.3850.