Inpatient and outpatient aquatic therapy program for pain relief and mobility
Aquatic physical therapy patients at Bryn Mawr Rehab, especially those recovering from a severe injury or major surgery, can use water therapy as a confidence-building step to regaining their strength.
Aquatic therapy combines the special properties of warm water with physical and occupational therapy to help patients make the best recovery possible. Through the program at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, warm water helps patients relax, enhances functional movement, and boosts confidence and ability.
Inpatient
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Many program participants are recovering from a sports injury, joint replacement, spinal cord injury, brain injury or stroke. Teens and adults of any age can benefit from this type of therapy, which can be particularly helpful for those who'd like to keep active despite suffering from arthritis, muscular dystrophy or other degenerative joint disorders.
How patients benefit from the aquatic therapy program
Stretching, walking or other gentle exercises in a warm water therapy pool offer many critical benefits to people who are just getting back on their feet, including:
- Buoyancy that reduces stress on joints and muscles
- Gentle resistance that builds strength and endurance over time
- Improved circulation
- Decreased pain and muscle spasms
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- A sense of relaxation and well-being that encourages exercise
At Bryn Mawr Rehab, we keep our therapeutic pool at 92°F, the ideal temperature for relieving pain and keeping patients comfortable. The pool has a ramp, stairs and lift to make it accessible to people with a variety of conditions.
In addition to traditional water therapy techniques, we encourage patients to heal and improve by using creative therapies. For weak core balance, for example, we've used kayaking exercises to improve side-to-side strength and stability.
Aquatic therapy program options at Bryn Mawr Rehab
Our experienced staff members, trained in water safety and therapy, facilitate three programs to meet inpatient, outpatient and community needs.
- Inpatient program: Our inpatient program operates individual and group sessions five days a week.
- Outpatient program: The outpatient program offers day and evening hours to best accommodate busy participants.
- Community program: Our community program provides a self-pay maintenance option for those who would benefit from continuing aquatic therapy after physical therapy has ended.
A physician's prescription is required for aquatic therapy at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and can be made on an inpatient or outpatient basis.