Aquatic Physical Therapy
Have You Heard of Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a unique treatment that allows patients to move with reduced stress on their joints. The multi-directional resistance of the water helps increase strength in a low-impact setting. Since the water temperature is set to 89-90 degrees, patients will experience therapeutic benefits that reduce their irritation, swelling, and pain levels. This treatment is really the best of both worlds because you can move around and get stronger with more ease and less pain! Currently available in Pawtucket and Warwick, RI!
The Healing Power of Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy combines the natural properties of water with expert physical therapy techniques to create an ideal healing environment. When searching for aquatic therapy near me, patients choose Highbar Physical Therapy for our specialized approach and state-of-the-art facilities.
Water’s unique properties—buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure—work together to support your body while providing natural resistance for strengthening. Our aqua therapy programs are designed to reduce pain and improve mobility through these natural properties of water, allowing you to perform exercises that might be too difficult or painful on land.
At Highbar Health, our experienced aquatic therapists create personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or working to improve your overall mobility, our aquatic therapy programs offer a gentle yet effective path to recovery.
Conditions That Benefit From Aquatic Therapy
Our specialized pool therapy offers unique advantages for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions. The warm water environment helps relax muscles and increase blood flow, creating ideal conditions for healing and pain reduction. For older adults or those with severe joint pain, the buoyancy of water reduces weight-bearing stress by up to 90%, allowing for pain-free movement that would be impossible on land. This makes aquatic therapy an excellent option for those who find traditional physical therapy too painful or challenging.
Arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid)
Back Pain
Balance issues
Chronic and Persistent Pain
Fibromyalgia
Joint Pain
Neck Pain
Neurological Conditions
Post-surgical recovery
Sports Injuries
Water’s added buoyancy takes pressure off the joints so you can move around easier in the pool without the stress of gravity weighing you down. Heated water temperatures allow the muscles to relax, which results in less pain during exercise. The combination of buoyancy and water temperature creates an environment for improved mobility and strengthening.
In the pool, there is multi-directional resistance, which allows you to work your muscles in a different way than you would on land. Patients can increase their strength because exercises in the water are just as effective as exercises on land.
One of the benefits of our pool is the underwater treadmill and jets to increase resistance. This gives patients the ability to walk with up to 80% of body weight off the joints, allowing cardiovascular strengthening and improved endurance in a setting where pain is already reduced.
Aquatic therapy utilizes hydrostatic pressure, which decreases pain sensors and provides gentle compression to your body. That’s why patients will experience less pain and swelling during their treatment.
Our specialized aquatic rehabilitation program for joint replacement patients allows for earlier intervention and faster recovery. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on your new joint while allowing for controlled strengthening and mobility exercises. Patients typically begin aquatic therapy within days of surgery, often experiencing reduced pain and swelling, improved range of motion, and faster return to daily activities compared to land-based therapy alone.
Our arthritis management program uses the warm water environment to reduce joint pain and stiffness while improving strength and mobility. The hydrostatic pressure helps reduce swelling, while the water’s resistance provides gentle strengthening without stressing painful joints. Patients often report significant pain reduction, improved sleep, and enhanced ability to perform daily activities after participating in our structured aquatic therapy program for arthritis.
Water provides a safe environment for challenging and improving balance without the fear of falling. Our balance and fall prevention program uses specific aquatic exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve proprioception, and enhance overall stability. The water’s support allows patients to safely practice balancing challenges that would be too risky on land, building confidence along with physical skills.
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Many patients report feeling better immediately after their first session due to the warm water’s pain-relieving properties. Measurable improvements in strength, mobility, and function typically begin within 2-4 weeks of consistent therapy. Your therapist will track your progress and adjust your program as needed to maximize results.
Most aquatic therapy sessions last 45-60 minutes, including time for changing clothes. Your specific session length may vary based on your condition and stamina. We typically recommend 2-3 sessions per week for optimal results, though your personalized plan may differ.
Most insurance plans cover aquatic therapy when it’s deemed medically necessary. Our team will verify your benefits before starting treatment and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs with you. We work with most major insurance providers and can help you understand your coverage.
Please bring a swimsuit, towel, and any assistive devices you normally use (such as orthotics or braces, if waterproof). We provide all necessary therapy equipment. Shower facilities are available for use before and after your session.
No, swimming ability is not required for aquatic therapy. Our sessions take place in chest-deep water, and our therapists are always present to ensure your safety and comfort. Many exercises are performed while holding onto the pool edge or using flotation devices for support.
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