Aquatic Exercise Therapy (AET) is the union of aquatic exercises and physical therapy. It is a comprehensive therapeutic approach that uses aquatic exercises to aid in the rehabilitation of various conditions.
An integrated program consisting of aquatic and land-based exercises can achieve goals of physical therapy much sooner than land-based exercises alone.
Aquatic therapy is one of the only treatments that can increase range of motion without the compression of weight bearing and can encourage patient confidences; thus helping to speed patient recovery.
The Physiologic Effect
The physiologic effect experienced by a patient immersed in warm water depends on the patient's posture and any elements that may alter the body's thermoneutral state. Elements that influence this state include the temperature of the water, the duration of the class, the type, and the intensity of the exercises and the patient's pathologic condition.
The physiologic response experienced by the body during warm water immersion is very similar to those of localized heat application but less concentrated.
Physiologic changes during water exercise:
Decreased blood pressure
Decreased edema of submerged body part
Increased respiratory rate
Increased blood supply to muscle
Increased muscle metabolism
Increased superficial circulation
Increased heart rate
Increased metabolic rate
General muscular relaxation
The Therapeutic Effects
In addition to the various physiologic changes that occur during warm water immersion, the physical properties of water offer many advantages in a rehabilitative setting. Here at Metropolitan Physical Therapy, we focus on orthopedic, and rheumatologic conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain, and athletic reconditioning. The warmth of the therapeutic pool reduces muscular tension, prevents restricted joint movement and reduces pain sensitivity. The water supports injured limbs, relaxes spastic muscles and decreased edema.
Goals:
To reduce the possibility of muscle tears and ligamentous sprains by warming specific muscles that will later be subject to stress.
To perform general active range of motion exercises with the areas of primary involvement, in preparation for more strenuous activity.
To help prevent muscle soreness.
To improve coordination, balance and ambulation skills. |
