Aquatherapy, also referred to as aquatic therapy, is effective in the treatment of a variety of conditions that are exacerbated by gravity, or weight-bearing routines, which will respond better and more comfortably in water.  The main advantage of physical therapy in water is the buoyancy effect that offers an immediate reduction in the weight-bearing load of a person by up to 40% of the individual's total body weight when standing chest-deep in water.  When engaging in water therapy practices, the ability to control joint compression forces is a primary benefit of aquatherapy. 

Conditions such as hip and knee replacement, recovery from injuries, rheumatological conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, athletic injuries, orthopedic conditions of major joints such as the back, hip, neck, knee, and shoulder, and recovery from neurological injuries for 'balance training' are some of the physical issues that will benefit most from aquatherapy.  Most axial loading on the spine and other weight-bearing joints can also receive a more focused and pin-pointed therapy without the concern of further injuring the joints or weakened physical condition as might happen with a full body-weight therapy.

Rehabmart has a number of superior quality aquatherapy products to help individuals regain health and balance without the pain and possible re-injury.

The AquaJogger Belt Support belt helps to suspend the body vertically in the water at shoulder level for a beneficial and low load-bearing impact workout.  The resilient closed cell foam of the belt will not absorb water, resists chlorine damage, and will dry quickly after use.  The soft and flexible foam narrows at the waist for more comfort and freedom, while the patented, contoured design will help support and strengthen the lower back during workouts.  The AquaJogger® design will also tone the abdominal muscles because of the continual use of these muscles to maintain correct posture in the water.

 
Even though water exercise creates a lighter load on the weight-bearing areas of the body, some people who have trouble walking due to weakened legs and who use canes or walkers to assist them can now have the same feeling of security and walking assistance with the Aqua Creek Underwater Walker ®.  Constructed from durable PVC tubing and rust-free, stainless steel casters with solid rubber tires, a person with limited walking ability can now move more freely and independently in the pool with this underwater walker.  The walker can accommodate different sized users with its adjustable height range between 32 to 45 inches, and the two armrest cradles can be easily attached or removed without tools.  Taking a walk around the pool will soon be the next 'Mall Walking' phenomenon for exercise and interaction.

  

The Aquatic Therapy Body Trainer is used for rehabilitation and conditioning because it is excellent for performing various exercises to improve range of motion, endurance, and to build core and muscle strength.  Being placed onto the side of the pool, and adjustable for many heights and levels of intensity, the Aquatic Therapy Trainer is ideal for providing swimmers and non-swimmers a secure exercise platform to obtain strength and a greater range of motion for the arms, hips, spine, and legs, all with less pressure on the weight-bearing joints due to the extra buoyancy of the water.  (View the video below to see how the Aquatic Therapy Body Trainer works.)

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO