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What is an Aquatic Therapy Program?

The Citizens Medical Center Aquatic Therapy Program involves various exercises based upon individual patient diagnosis, utilizing the properties of water to decrease joint compression, and increase or decrease muscle resistance.  It can be a successful alternative to traditional therapy for patients who are unable to tolerate land exercise due to pain, poor endurance, recent surgery, and acute or chronic ailments.  By utilizing water as an exercise medium, gravity is significantly decreased, resulting in the alleviation of joint and spinal compression, allowing for a beneficial pain-reduced environment.  The ultimate objective of the Aquatic Therapy Program is to transition the rehabilitation process from the medium of water to a more dynamic land rehabilitation program, which prepares one for a land-based lifestyle. 

This program has been developed and functions in accordance with the American Occupational/Physical Therapy Association, the Texas Board of Occupational/Physical Therapy Examiners, and the Aquatics Rehab Institute.

Who can Benefit from an Aquatic Therapy Program?

A wide variety of people can benefit from Aquatic therapy, including those with:

• sports injuries
• fibromyalgia
• low back and neck disorders
• spinal disorders
• pain management
• joint replacement
• orthopedic surgery
• neurological conditions
• arthritis/degenerative joint disease
• gait and balances disorders

What are the Goals of an Aquatic Therapy Program?

• Facilitate muscle relaxation during exercise performance
• Reduce edema secondary to hydrostatic pressure
• Improve stability while maintaining partial weight bearing
• Decrease the degenerative effects of an injury or disease
• Decrease compressive forces present in typical land-based therapy
• Provide for earlier entrance into the rehabilitation process which improves outcomes
• Increase performance level, thus increasing confidence

How does the Aquatic Therapy Program Work?

The Aquatic Therapy Program is offered in two stages:

Outpatient – This stage of the program requires a physician’s referral but may be entered immediately following a hospital stay or simply as a “walk-in”.  At this level of rehabilitation, the Occupational or Physical Therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation, develop a working rehab diagnosis, establish an outcome, select direct interventions, and provide patient-/family-related instructions/education.  The overall objective at this stage is to obtain the most optimal functional outcome possible for the patient.

Maintenance – This stage of the program is an ongoing option for those that have completed the Outpatient stage of the program.  This program does not require a physician’s referral but is designed to maintain the functional level and benefits achieved during the Outpatient stage.  The Maintenance stage of the program, which involves a monthly fee, is an option for individuals who want to continue their exercise program and social/clinical interaction.

How do you Begin an Outpatient Aquatic Therapy Program?

A physician’s referral is required for the outpatient aquatic therapy service. Once the referral is made, the Occupational/Physical Therapist will complete your evaluation, determine the intervening aquatic program, establish diagnosis-related goals, and implement a treatment regime.  This information, along with your medical history, will help to develop your individualized aquatic therapy program.  Communication occurs with your physician through written progress notes that monitor your progress through the Occupational Therapy program.

Insurance companies cover outpatient aquatics therapy.  We would be glad to contact your insurance company to establish pre-certification and to inquire about coverage prior to beginning the program.

For more information about Citizens Medical Center or Citizens HealthPlex Aquatic Therapy Programs, contact the Rehab Department at (361)572-5030 or (361)582-1109.