We are currently in the process of getting our hydrotherapy program back up and running. We apologize for the delay.
Definition:
“Aquatic (physical) therapy is a program, using mechanical and thermal characteristics of water during partial or complete immersion, in combination with the effects of movement. It evokes short term and long term adaptation mechanisms of a person with a deranged biological system, using specific stimuli to create biological and thus therapeutic effects.” (The Dutch Centre of Allied Health Care)
Effects of Hydrodynamics on the main body systems:
When the body is immersed in water:
- The heart works harder with an increased stroke volume allowing for increased blood flow to the limbs
- An increased workload applied to the lungs by the water can strengthen chest muscles ultimately making breathing easier on land
- The renal system increases its excretion of sodium and potassium in the body allowing for decreased edema in the limbs
- And increased workload applied to the muscles by the water allows for more work with less force applied to the joints
- Warm water works with the nervous system to decrease pain and increase mood.

People who may Benefit from Hydrotherapy:
- Clients with lymphedema or other external swelling in the immersed limbs
- Clients with mild controlled heart conditions
- Clients with controlled respiratory conditions
- Clients with pain, anxiety, hypertension or increased blood pressure
- Clients with balance or proprioceptive issues
- Clients troubled with decreased range of motion after injury, surgery, etc.
- Post-surgical patients (i.e.) total knee/hip replacements, ACL/MCL repairs, etc.
- Senior’s or those clients having difficulty implementing exercise programs on land due to pain, decreased strength or for any other reason
** If you have questions about whether you or a loved one may be able to participate in hydrotherapy session please consult your doctor first.
Precautions:
- Clients with compromised venous return, thyroid function or untreated cardiac conditions
- Clients with acute cardiac dysfunction, acute restrictive lung dysfunction, moderate to severe uncontrolled restrictive pulmonary disease or exacerbation of pulmonary disease (i.e.) emphysema
- Clients with peripheral vascular disease
- Clients with heightened sensory conditions who have trouble with initial adaptations
** Should you or a loved one have any questions related to whether or not they should participate in such a program please consult your doctor first.
Ineligibility:
- Incontinence
- Acute vomiting or diarrhea
- Medical instability following an acute episode (i.e.) CVA, DVT, PE, etc.
- Clients with a proven allergy to Chlorine (or other pool disinfectants)
- Clients wearing medicated skin patches not to be worn in warm water pools
- Clients having Angina at rest
- Clients who have shortness of breath at rest
- Any uncontrolled cardiac failure
- Clients who’s weight is in excess of emergency recovery equipment (i.e.) rescue board
- Anyone with open wounds not able to be covered by Tagaderm
- Clients suffering from uncontrolled seizures
- MRSA