Often referred to as water-based rehabilitation or hydrotherapy, aquatic therapy is an excellent option for patients seeking low-impact, high-benefit physical therapy. If you're experiencing chronic pain, discomfort during movement, or recovering from an injury, aquatic therapy could be a beneficial part of your treatment plan. Our therapists in The Woodlands and Houston are skilled in assessing individual conditions and can determine if aquatic therapy is the right choice for you. For instance, if you’re finding land-based physical therapy too painful or challenging, aquatic therapy is an excellent alternative.

Aquatic therapy differs significantly from regular physical therapy. While both aim to improve your body’s function and well-being, administering treatments in water with aquatic therapy offers distinctive benefits. The water's buoyancy, resistance, and heat provide healing opportunities not possible in land therapy. For instance, the water's buoyancy reduces the weight-bearing stress on your body, offering a gentler environment for exercise. The water’s resistance helps strengthen muscles, while the heat helps to relax those muscles and increase circulation. In addition, the water provides a safe, low-impact exercise environment, reducing the risk of injury.

Aquatic therapy sessions typically last for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your physical condition and specific needs. The frequency of sessions varies based on different treatment plans, but generally, patients attend therapy one to three times per week. However, consistency is key to the best results. Regular participation in aquatic therapy services can help improve strength, regain mobility, and reduce pain in your joints, back, and more. Our patient-centered approach makes sure to cater to every patient's unique needs, so our experts will recommend the optimal duration and frequency of sessions based on your specific needs.

Aquatic therapy is safe and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. One of the major benefits of aquatic therapy is that you don't need to know how to swim to participate. All exercises are performed in water with adjustable levels, and safety equipment is always used. Our highly trained therapists guide you through all sessions so you can always feel safe and in good hands.

The timeline for seeing results from aquatic therapy can vary based on the individual and the nature of their condition. However, many of our patients in The Woodlands and Houston, TX, report feeling relief after just a few sessions. The buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and warm water in aquatic therapy can help reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and improve range of motion more quickly than traditional physical therapy in some cases. With aquatic therapy, you can get better before you know it.

An average aquatic therapy session is designed to be therapeutic, productive, and enjoyable. It begins with a warm-up to acclimate your body to the water temperature and environment. Following this, your therapist will guide you through various exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Depending on your progress and capabilities, these exercises can range from simple stretches to more complex hydrotherapy techniques. Every session concludes with a cool-down period to help your muscles relax. After a session, we can also get you involved with our wellness specialists to extend your health practices beyond the hydrotherapy treatments.