Insights To Get You Moving

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Aquatic therapy is often times the first step in a patient’s rehabilitation program after surgery. Doctors prescribe it post-operatively because of the valuable benefits it provides for patients that are ready to regain strength in their muscles, but have not healed enough to begin extensive physical therapy. Aquatic therapy provides a weightless environment that allows patients to perform simple exercises that push the muscles without causing strain to the participant. With aquatic therapy services offered at VTFC, Clinic Co-Director, Rich Banton dives into the basics and demonstrates the seamless transition it creates to land-based physical therapy.

THREE BENEFITS OF AQUATIC THERAPY FOR SURGERY RECOVERY:

1. REDUCES IMPACT:

The aquatic environment provides a weightless environment that allows our patients to perform exercises without significant impact on their spine or joints.

2. THERAPEUTIC TEMPERATURE (80-84 DEGREES):

Allows for comfort for the patient, but also provides a cooling environment to post surgical areas that are usually above average body temperature, 98-101 degrees.

3. BUOYANCY EFFECT:

The water creates an advantage (buoyancy effect) which allows patients to perform range of motion exercise in the pool that they would not be able to perform safely on land.