Aquatic Therapy

Memorial provides aquatic therapy patients with individualized programs based on a comprehensive assessment. Our goal is to maximize independence and help each patient in the effort to achieve a productive, rewarding lifestyle.

The Program

Aquatic therapy can be ideal for adults and children who need to gain strength and endurance, improve balance and reduce pain. Water has wonderful and unique properties that are beneficial for people who are not able to exercise on land or who would benefit from aquatic exercise along with land-based exercise.

Aquatic exercise reduces the effects of gravity. For example, standing in shoulder-deep water reduces 80 percent of the weight on the legs and back. This helps reduce compression on the joints and allows the person to move and walk with greater ease.

The pressure of the warm water also improves circulation, which can help muscles relax and promote healing and reduce swelling.

A physical or occupational therapist will be in the pool during aquatic therapy, so the patient does not need to know how to swim. Stairs and a lift chair help patients enter the pool.

Conditions that would benefit from aquatic therapy include:

• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Gait and balance disorders
• Joint replacements
• Low back pain
• Orthopedic injuries
• Pediatric developmental delay
• Postoperative patients
• Shoulder and neck problems
• Sports Injuries
• Stroke

Aquatic therapy is available at the following facilities:

Memorial Regional Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Memorial Hospital West