Aquatic Therapy at Holzer Medical Therapy Center
Aquatic Therapy is provided by the Holzer Medical Therapy Center at our Jackson location. If you wish to call or email the Medical Therapy Center, please visit our Medical Therapy Center contact page.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a series of exercises and activities designed to take advantage of the unique healing benefits of water. Because of the buoyancy it provides, water lessens the pressure on the muscles and joints, assists with movement, and reduces swelling caused by gravity. Without the pull of gravity working against them, patients can exercise more comfortably, increasing their levels of strength, tolerance, and flexibility. Aquatic Therapy improves endurance with less pain and muscle stress.
Water is an excellent medium for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. It provides a comfortable environment and assists patients with their rehabilitation exercises through its buoyancy, while at the same time allowing for aerobic activities and resistance strengthening.
Aquatic Therapy Services
Patients do not need swimming experience to enjoy the benefits of aquatic therapy. At Holzer Medical Therapy Center, our experienced physical therapists develop individualized programs designed to enhance recovery and assure safe participation.
Patients with back problems or joint injuries, such as trauma to knees and ankles, or disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease, are only a few of the patients who can benefit.
Aquatic Therapy is not for everyone. Patients with fevers, infections, or bowel/bladder incontinence should not participate. Cardiac patients are precluded as candidates for aquatic therapy.
Who benefits from Aquatic Therapy?
- Decreased Conditioning
- Cognitive Impairments
- Head injury
- Reduced Endurance
- Reduced Strength
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Amputation
- Arthritis
- Chronic Pain (such as back pain)
- Decreased Coordination/Balance Deficits
- Knee, Hip, or Shoulder Replacement
- Orthopedic Trauma
- Pediatric Development Delays
- Stroke
- Sports injuries
- Edema
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Water’s hydrostatic pressure decreases swelling of soft tissue after an injury or swelling caused by arthritis. It can improve joint position awareness. This benefits patients suffering from joint sprains and torn ligaments.
The warmth of the water during aquatic therapy relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to injured areas. Patients suffering back pain, muscle spasms, and Fibromyalgia find the warmth of aquatic therapy of special benefit. 
What is so special about the Aquatic Therapy Pool at HMC-Jackson?
The Hydroworks 1000 aquatic therapy pool is specially designed to enhance the patient's rehabilitation and reinforce the healing effect that water has on the body. It is fully equipped to meet any needs our patients might have to reach their maximal potential:
- Water levels that can be adjusted to different heights. This allows the therapist to change the level of weight that patients are placing through their legs and allows patients of different heights to use the pool.
- An underwater treadmill that goes 0-7.5 mph. The treadmill is specially designed for low-impact and excellent traction.
- Resistance jets not only allow a patient to swim in the pool, it allows our therapist to increase the difficulty of a patient's program. Whether the patient is swimming, running, working on balance, or any other activity, the patient can always give maximal effort no matter what level of physical conditioning.
- Individualized treatment programs that are utilized by Licensed Physical Therapists, Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants, Licensed Occupational Therapists, and Certified Occupational Therapists.
- An underwater camera and monitor that allow the patient and therapist to easily see the patient's performance.
- Highly trained staff.
- The water is maintained at a temperature range of 88 to 90 degrees. This warmth promotes relaxation, range of motion, improved circulation, and an overall sense of comfort and well being.
- Showers and lockers are provided.
What should I do if I am interested in Aquatic Therapy?
Holzer Medical Center - Jackson offers aquatic therapy on an outpatient basis. To participate, you must obtain a referral from your doctor. You will then receive an evaluation by a therapist to determine your treatment plan of care.
If you have any questions, or need more information, please call us at 740-395-8367 (Jackson), or Contact Holzer Medical Therapy Center.
Be certain to check with your insurance carrier concerning applicable coverage.
Locations
In Jackson - Enter the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson through the main doors. Turn left and walk down the hallway to the end and you will see the Holzer Medical Therapy Center department directly in front of you.
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