Aquatic Exercise Therapy What Is Aquatic Exercise? Rehabilitative Exercises Performed in a Warm Water Environment. Use Water As a Buoyant Medium.

Types of Rehabilitation Rehab needs to be designed with progression as the key element. Need to get the athlete involved with their rehab. Injury/surgery SAID Land Water

Physiological Effects Increased respiratory rate Decreased BP Increased blood supply to muscles Increased superficial circulation Increased heart rate Decreased edema Muscular relaxation

Therapeutic Benefits Muscular relaxation Reduces pain Decreases muscle spasm Increases ease of joint movement Increase muscular strength/endurance in cases of excessive weakness

Therapeutic Benefits Continued Reduces gravitational forces Increases peripheral circulation Improves respiratory muscles Improves PNF Improves patient moral and confidence (psychological)

The Aquatic Facility Water depth Should be at least shoulder height. 4-6 feet Water temperature: degrees Design To accommodate free movement for running and arm movements

The Aquatic Facility Equipment options: Water jets Angled bottom Different depths Treadmill/bikes Viewing area

Aquatic Treatment Plan Phase one- The Post Surgical or Acute Phase Gentle ROM and strengthening Mild Stretching of the healing structure The use of other pain/swelling reducing modalities

Aquatic Treatment Plan Phase two- the early exercise phase Specific stretching exercises The use of supportive and assistive exercise equipment Muscle contraction without pain Maintain strength whole body

Aquatic Treatment Plan Phase three- the intermediate exercise phase Stretching exercises Moderate progressive resistance exercises using aquatic principles such as speed, turbulence Full range movements

Aquatic Treatment Plan Phase four- The Advanced Exercise Flexibility and ROM exercise Maximal resistive exercise Muscular endurance (maximal repetitions) Neuromuscular coordination

Aquatic Treatment Plan Phase five- The Phase of Integration onto Land Water and land exercises Aerobic conditioning Land-based program= muscular strength, endurance

Rehabilitation Design/Plan Pick an extremity Design a rehab plan Include all five phases Include sets/reps for exercises Define equipment used Be creative