This exciting treatment environment gives us a remarkable range of choices for rehabilitation. Populations that can benefit from aquatic therapy range from the professional athlete after surgery to patients who require limited weight bearing.

The beneficial effects of buoyancy allow for effective range of motion and strengthening while minimizing joint stress. This ability to control joint forces allows us to work with our patients and safely accelerate post operative rehabilitation which leads to a quicker recovery. Aquatic therapy also offers a comfortable environment for those who can not tolerate land based exercise.

The American Arthritis Foundation has recommended aquatic rehabilitation and exercise for those suffering with arthritis because immersion in the water decreases the weight bearing through the lower extremity joints and allows exercises to be performed with less pain. In addition to weight loss and a well balanced diet, gentle, low-impact exercises have been shown to be effective in the reduction of pain, swelling, and stiffness, associated with arthritis.