Aquatic Therapy at Wilton Physical Therapy

Water has been used for thousands of years as a medium for exercise and healing.

Aquatic (or Water) Therapy when provided by a licensed physical therapist may be considered an entity of physical therapy. Water provides a safe and supportive environment in which individuals can perform movements that would be painful or impossible if attempted on land. The unique properties of the aquatic environment enable one to begin to exercise more quickly after an injury, or earlier in the rehabilitation process if limited in weight-bearing or by pain, as well as being used for relief of pain itself.

At Wilton Physical Therapy we offer Aquatic Therapy tailored to your specific needs. These are determined during the comprehensive Physical Therapy evaluation that is performed in the clinic prior to your first session at the pool. Our Aquatic program involves both shallow and deep end activities, using the 25-yard indoor pool at the Wilton Family Y down the street from our Main Office.

Shallow End

Weight bearing load in your joints is only 50% when submerged in water to waist level. In the shallow end people thus have better tolerance for walking activities, balance retraining and lower extremity strengthening exercises compared to on land. In addition, we can use the viscosity and turbulence of water to get people in a position where their balance is challenged. Also note that the increased hydrostatic pressure around the body helps to reduce or control swelling in the joints and to relieve pain. Assisted flotation is also possible in the shallow end and can be used for relaxation or exercise techniques.

Deep End

When performing deep-water exercises we use a specialized flotation belt that suspends you in the water. When you are submerged in water to shoulder depth, 90 % of your body weight is removed due to the buoyancy of water. This "unloading" provides decompression and reduced shearing of the spine and other joints allowing for greater ease of movement with less pain. In addition, the core muscles are activated and strengthened when you are asked to balance the center of buoyancy over the center of gravity by staying vertical (vertical stability exercises). It is a unique challenge to be still in the water versus moving in the water (swimming)! Improved body awareness, postural control and restoration of functional movement patterns are skills a person gains while activating these core stabilizing muscles, and they translate well to land-based stability programs, such as those given for home programs or those done using a "Swiss ball".

An added benefit is that aquatic therapy involves use of the entire body, not just the injured part, thereby enhancing overall fitness. Deep water conditioning activities can be utilized to improve or maintain cardiovascular health with less strain on joints, either for general health or for returning to a specific sport. For example, a high school athlete with a knee sprain can work out in the aquatic environment to maintain his or her level of fitness while the injury heals and therapy progresses, until they are ready to return to the field.

Other beneficial properties of water therapy include:

• Hydrostatic pressure - helps decrease swelling and improve venous blood flow back to the heart.
• Viscosity - can be utilized to either assist, support or resist movement. Performing exercises against the resistance of the water is a great way to strengthen muscles and build bone mass without stressing the joints.
• FUN - Exercises performed in the pool are usually a fun and social experience that make it easy to continue even when formal treatment is complete. At Wilton Physical Therapy we have made special arrangements with the Wilton Family Y to encourage our patients to continue with their program after discharge! Ask your therapist about the discounted rate program prior to discharge.

Who can benefit from Aquatic Physical Therapy?

Anyone with:

CONTRAINDICATIONS OR PRECAUTIONS

Check with your Physical Therapist to see if you will be able to participate if you have one or more of these issues:

Open wounds / severe respiratory disorders / unstable cardiovascular conditions / unstable neurological conditions / contagious skin conditions or allergies to pool chemicals / incontinence (bowel or bladder)

You do not have to be able to swim (as we provide buoyancy aides), but you should be comfortable standing in the shallow end of the pool.

Participants must be able to independently change their clothes and be able to walk between the locker room and the pool, and be able to get in and out of the pool using steps and a railing.

How to Participate:

A current physician's referral for Aquatic Physical Therapy is required (within the past 30 days) that includes your diagnosis.

An evaluation will be scheduled with a Physical Therapist at one of the two Wilton Physical Therapy clinics, prior to participation in the aquatic program.

Our office staff will determine insurance coverage and assist you with scheduling your aquatic appointments.

Necessary Equipment:

Bathing suit, towel, safe shoes, water shoes (if desired), personal items for showering (as desired), lock for locker (optional), and a Blue Aquatic Therapy pass from Wilton PT to present to the Y desk at each visit.

Where & When?

Wilton PT's Aquatic therapy program is located at:

WILTON FAMILY Y
404 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT 06897
25yd pool

• Daytime sessions are held at 12:00 noon or 12:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Evening sessions are held at 7:00 or 7:15 pm on Mondays
• Sessions are 40 minutes, but the duration of your treatment depends upon how you feel and what the therapist assess is appropriate for you that day.

ALL sessions are by APPOINTMENT ONLY!

Please call either 762-5623 (Main Office) or 761-9710 (South Office) to confirm or cancel appointments. Please note that our "no-show" policy fee of $50.00 applies to missed pool appointments without cancellation.

Please see our Aquatic Therapy Patient Information page for more information about the program requirements, necessary equipment, scheduling and procedure.