Aquatic Therapy and its Benefits!

Hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy’s significance in promoting healing of medical ailments has been well documented for centuries. Ritual baths/healing waters appeared as far back as Ancient Greek, Roman, Christian, Hebrew and Islamic cultures.

Today, research has shown that aquatic therapy has many beneficial outcomes such as improved flexibility, improved coordination and balance, enhancing aerobic capacity, as well as building muscle strength and endurance.

Aquatic therapy is different than aqua fitness or exercise as it is a physical rehabilitation prescribed by a regulated healthcare professional such as a chiropractor or physiotherapist. As a result, this type of treatment modality is covered by private insurers under insurance coverage for physiotherapy or chiropractic care.

For patients whose injury or chronic condition prevents full weight-bearing activity, the buoyancy of water and the gentle resistance it provides makes treatment possible when it might otherwise not be. In particular, Aquatic Therapy is very good for:

• reducing pain & inflammation
• increasing range of motion
• improving strength & function
• enhancing overall rehabilitation outcomes

Aquatic therapy can be useful for the following conditions:

• Orthopedic and post-surgical rehab (knee/hip surgery)
• Arthritis of the ankle, knee or hip
• Lower back pain, Sciatica, Disc herniation/bulge
• Chronic pain
• Stroke / Cerebral palsy / Muscular Dystrophy / Multiple Sclerosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoporosis
• Sports Injury
• Fractures
• Weight Loss
• Athletic Performance
• Autism
• Balance disorders
• Parkinson’s diseases
• Stress
• Spinal cord injuries
• Tendonitis
• Traumatic Brain Injury

It’s also an excellent way to increase fitness or stay active!

How does Aquatic therapy assist rehabilitation ?

Aquatic therapy assist rehabilitation in the following ways:

• Warm water provides a soothing environment for sore muscles and joints
• The buoyancy of water helps to decrease the effects of gravity on painful joints
• The water’s resistance helps with muscle strengthening and overall rehabilitation
• Patients with balance deficits or fear of falling are supported by the hydrostatic pressure water provides

The Clinic at Christie is proud to be one of only a few clinics in Toronto to offer the HydroWorx 200 underwater treadmill as a treatment modality to the community.

The HydroWorx 200 underwater treadmill provides the following:

• A rubberized belt that can be used with either bare feet or running shoes
• Variable speed from 0.1 mph to 6 mph, suitable for walking, jogging and sprinting
• Temperature control accuracy to help moderate water temperature as needed
• Safe accessibility for users with mobility issues via platform for entrance into treadmill, safety grab bar and foldable chair for those who have stability concerns
• Adjustable water depth to assist the therapist in determining what percentage of the patient’s body weight should be supported, thus developing an individualized tailored therapy session

 

For individuals interested in learning more about the benefits of the HydroWorx 200 underwater treadmill, please contact The Clinic at Christie for more information.

 

**Please note that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread through water-transmission when using pools, water tubs or tanks. We follow all appropriate chlorine and bromine disinfection protocols when performing daily maintenance on the HydroWorx 200 which should remove any virus causing COVID-19.