Yonemoto Physical Therapy offers aquatic physical therapy. Aquatic physical therapy can be a mild or aggressive treatment program depending on the physical condition and rehabilitation goals of each patient. It is our goal to help each of our patients return to their maximal functional level as soon as possible.
With aquatic therapy, this can be accomplished in a fun, friendly atmosphere that promotes healing and well-being, while helping to minimize the need for excess pain medication. Once the initial limitation is corrected, we help to empower our patients with the knowledge and understanding of how to help prevent future re-injuries. It can be an effective rehabilitation tool for many conditions, including:
|
|
Usually, an aquatic therapy program is combined with land-based physical therapy. The natural properties of water allow for decreased weight-bearing, increased support, ease of movement and resistance for strengthening while protecting the joints during low impact exercises. Aquatic therapy is not only fun and engaging, but also allows our patients to move more freely.
Our pool is designed with the patient in mind. There are varying levels in the pool from 3.5 feet to 4.5 feet, so whether the goal is weight loss, injury or post-surgical recovery, aerobic conditioning or strengthening, we are able to accommodate the need. Patient comfort and safety are high priorities, which is why there are handrails conveniently located throughout the pool to assist patients with weight bearing restrictions to get in and out of the pool.
Goals of Aquatic Physical Therapy
- Restore normal range of motion to the involved joint and mobility to the soft tissues that surround the joint.
- Prevent irreversible muscle tightness or shortening
- Facilitate muscle relaxation
- Increase the range of motion of one particular part of the body or of the body in general before the initiation of strengthening exercises
- To reduce the risk of musculo-tendinous injuries
Why Try Aquatic Physical Therapy?
- Promotes independence among patients
- Reduces pain sensitivity
- Decreases muscle spasm
- Enhances morale and confidence
- Improves body awareness and balance
On land, gravity can add painful pressure to already stressed joints and muscles. Aquatic physical therapy uses low impact movements and the support, warmth, resistance, and buoyancy that water provides to create a safe and gentle environment for relaxation and rehabilitation.
Water provides a controllable environment for re-education of weak muscles and skill development. The properties of water make it possible for patients to begin range of motion, strength, and endurance exercises within hours or days of injury or surgery.
This holistic health therapy also enables the heart to work more efficiently. The pressure of the water pushes equally on all body surfaces. This increases the natural blood circulation and the blood is able to flow back easily to the heart.
The ability to reproduce movements typically performed on land during early treatment can hasten the patient’s return to the workplace or to sports competition by reducing atrophy and rapidly improving function. Postural corrections can be accomplished with less effort and discomfort for the patient, due to the decrease in compression force on the spine and other joints.
Each patient is comprehensively evaluated and a specialized treatment plan is designed. This treatment plan may include an exercise program for endurance and strengthening and gait and balance training. The therapist is in the pool area with each patient, constantly delivering feedback and educating the client to ensure proper technique and optimal results.
Try Our Aquatics Class!
Yonemoto Physical Therapy offers aquatics classes at our office twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00-9:40AM. Class sizes are small and the cost is only $10 per class.
We also offer an Independent Private Pool Program.
If you are a current patient interested in this program, please call our office at (626) 576-0591 for special rates and time availability.
