Aquatic Therapy at TOSPT
Mankind has recognized the therapeutic and recuperative powers of water for thousands of years. At TOSPT at Capital Medical Blvd., that tradition is strongly maintained, thanks to the facility's heated indoor pool (around 92° to 94°), which is the only one of its kind in Tallahassee .
Aquatic therapy is a great adjunct to any type of therapeutic program for patients. It's a very important part of the therapeutic services offered at TOSPT, and the reason it's so valuable is that the physical properties of water allow patients to exercise without being impacted as greatly by forces of gravity. So they are much more comfortable in the water, particularly if they have arthritis, fibromyalgia or conditions that involve stiffness or pain.
One of the pool's accessories is a chairlift allowing access for patients who are unable to climb in themselves, such as those who are wheelchair dependent. One of the common conditions of patients who do receive aquatic therapy at TOSPT is arthritis. Also those who may be undergoing rehab from joint surgery, such as a total knee or hip replacement or a shoulder operation, find the heated pool very helpful in the rehab process.
The age range of patients also varies. There are a few younger patients who receive aquatic therapy, but the typical age range is probably 35 to 85. The pool is used primarily for outpatient therapy and aqua fitness. If someone has joint pain from an orthopedic injury, knee replacement, hip replacement, fibromyalgia or arthritis, that person can perform quite a bit more activity in the pool than they can on land.
The pool is especially helpful for patients who have difficulty with weight bearing. For instance, if a patient has a lower extremity weight bearing walking restriction of 50%, once the patient is in chest deep water, the weight bearing is reduced by at least 50%, so he could work on walking with the help of a physical therapist.
The warm temperature of the pool is an important factor in therapy. The water helps the muscles relax and increases circulation. A major benefit is decreased stress on the joints. A person, who, on land, may be able to do only minimal repetitions of a given exercise, can do many more in the warm pool. Patients have greater endurance in the pool because it causes less stress and pain in their joints. Overall, aquatic therapy is an excellent and unique part of the rehabilitation services offered at TOSPT.
Usually patients begin using the pool as part of their therapeutic exercise functional activity program. They are already in physical therapy, and the pool serves as one of their treatment sessions. Therapists actually conduct the sessions in the pool with their patients, helping them with various activities in the water to increase strength, decrease pain, and increase general mobility. Also, people come in from the community, become PTplus patients and participate in group or individual aqua fitness programs.
If you, a family member, or friends have any questions regarding how TOSPT Aquatic Therapy Programs could benefit your health, please call or speak personally with one of our many licensed therapists.
Credit: Advance. Vol. 16, No. 6. February 28, 2005