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Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Therapy relies on the properties of water to ensure a safe and therapeutic environment. Through the use of hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, and joint unloading, a patient is able to safely increase his or her range-of-motion, strength, flexibility, and endurance. The Burdenko method is comprised of aquatic exercises geared towards function, utilizing buoyancy and weights for physical training with a focus on recovering function after an injury.

As Dr. Igor Burdenko states, "Developing proper movement is essential for the recovery and prevention of re-injury. Teaching patients to move involves more than just teaching proper body mechanics, but includes endurance, balance and coordination."

Water is an ideal location for teaching movement because it demands internal stabilization of the spine and pelvis. This stabilization is the basis for effective movement. Water has the ability to assist, support, or resist movements and allows for non-weight bearing as well as partial-weight bearing therapy, based on the patient’s needs. Another benefit of aquatic therapy is that it works the entire body, which enhances the patient’s overall conditioning.

By using buoyancy equipment, the patient can be suspended in water without touching the bottom of the pool. This allows the patient to move freely and removes impact on the musculoskeletal system. The aquatic program here at the RI Rehab eliminates or minimizes pain by teaching patients new ways to move in a safe, non-weightbearing environment.

Warm water therapy, a form of aquatic therapy, is one of the most effective types of treatment for patients with physical disabilities due to water’s ability to provide natural resistance from motion while simultaneously supporting the body. Water resistance and the warm temperatures of warm water therapy relax muscles, thus reducing spasticity and pain. Warm water therapy is especially helpful for those patients suffering from musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and neurological conditions.

Benefits of warm water therapy include decreasing pain and joint stress, increasing strength, endurance, mobility, flexibility, and a patient’s range of motion, and improving balance and circulation. Warm water relaxes the body and the mind, reducing pain and speeding the whole recovery process.