While you may be familiar with traditional forms of physical therapy and rehabilitation, it’s helpful to know you’ve got more options when you’re injured, recuperating from surgery, or suffering from a chronic condition. Aquatic physical therapy, for instance, is an excellent option for successful recovery. Here’s what you need to know about this form of therapy so you’re ready to search for a “physical therapist near me” when you require treatment.
What Does Aquatic Physical Therapy Look Like
As the name implies, aquatic physical therapy takes place in a pool or other aquatic environment. Indoor facilities are most common, as their use isn’t adversely impacted by weather conditions. The pools are heated to a comfortable temperature and may incorporate treadmills, weights, flotation devices, therapeutic jets for massage and resistance work, and cameras to assist in monitoring movement.
Patients wear swimsuits or other attire that doesn’t restrict free motion, and bathing caps and water shoes are often recommended. Although deep enough to provide for a range of motion, therapy pools allow patients to stand up comfortably, so you won’t need swimming skills to participate.
Conditions That Will Benefit
Aquatic therapy is growing in popularity because of the variety of conditions it treats. It’s less invasive than many other treatments and is generally free from side effects. Here are just some of the conditions that may be improved by aquatic physical therapy:
- Chronic or episodic back, neck, and joint pain
- Sports, motion, or industrial injuries, including sprains and strains
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Stress
- Depression
While not a cure, aquatic treatment acts in concert with medical care and medications to provide relief from stiffness, pain, and swelling. If it sounds like aquatic treatment will be beneficial for you, do an online search for “physical therapy near me” to identify local practitioners.
Does Insurance Cover Aquatic Physical Therapy?
Whatever your reason for pursuing aquatic therapy, the sooner you seek treatment the better. However, with so much media attention around escalating medical costs and high out-of-pocket expenses, it’s natural to worry about adding yet another bill to your monthly budget. That’s why it’s important to work with a physical therapy service that accepts a wide range of insurance and payment plans.
The best physical therapists list in-network insurance providers they accept on their websites, or they’ll be happy to assist you by phone regarding coverage and benefits. Just like you, their goal is to return you to a pain-free life with as little stress as possible, so top providers strive to make their services accessible and affordable.
Now that you’ve learned more about aquatic physical therapy and how it benefits a range of patients, it’s time to begin your healing journey. To find providers, start with an online search for “physical therapy Philadelphia” or in an area that’s near your home or work. Once you find a convenient treatment center, just schedule a consultation and enjoy the confidence of knowing you’ve taken a smart step toward achieving relief and recovery.