Aquatic Therapy Exercises

As temperatures rise in the Summer heat, people can be inclined to try Aquatic Therapy (Physical Therapy in a pool). This treatment can be a great option for rehabilitation because many exercises are easier in the water. Being buoyant in the water can help improve balance and strength without excessive force. This ensures the healing structures will not receive further damage.

Participating in Aquatic Therapy can improve range-of-motion and muscle memory. Muscles can relax in warm water resulting in improved joint range-of-motion. Also, the resistance of the water slows exercises down. This is better for muscle memory and can result in an expedited therapy recovery time.

Below are several aquatic therapy exercises that can be used to improve knee strength, hamstring flexibility, and core stabilization. Consult with your healthcare provider before attempting these exercises. As always, take precautionary measures when performing exercises in or around a pool.

All exercises should be done in a slow and controlled manner.

Standing Hamstring Curls with Aquatic Ankle Cuff

The buoyant cuff will add resistance to leg movements, resulting in a low-impact and effective exercise. Secure your Aquatic Ankle Cuff on the side that needs to be treated.

• Begin standing with both feet flat on the pool floor
• Bend your knee (on the leg with the Aquatic Ankle Cuff) back, aiming your heel toward the ceiling then toward your back
• Return your leg to starting position

Core Stabilization: Bicycle with Aquatic Hand Bars

Aquatic Hand Bars add resistance and challenge to this abdominal and leg exercise.

• Hold one aquatic hand bar in each hand with your arms down at your sides
• Move your legs in a circular motion, as if you were pedaling a bicycle

Active Motion: Push / Pull with Kickboard

• Stand on only the leg that needs to be treated
• Hold the kickboard horizontally in front of your torso and fully submerged under water, parallel to your body
• Push it outward then return it to its original position

Active Knee Flexion Stretch with Aquatic Ankle Cuff

Secure your Aquatic Ankle Cuff on the side that needs to be treated.

• Sit on a pool step with your legs handing over the edge, the back of your legs should be flush against the wall of the step
• Straighten your leg and raise your toes above the water
• Resume start position

Core Stabilization: Push/ Pull with Aquatic Hand Bars

• Stand in front of the steps. Put one foot on the ground and one foot on a step (the side that needs to be treated should be the more elevated foot)
• Hold the hand bars vertically in front of your chest
• Push both hand bars outward then bring them back
• Push one hand bar outward, then simultaneously bring that one back and push the other outward

With the help of these Aquatic Therapy exercises you’ll be sure to recover without the strain of typical exercises. Again, note that you should consult with your healthcare provider before attempting these exercises, and take extra caution when performing exercises in or around a pool.

Contact FEI Retail to learn more about these and other Aquatic Therapy exercise products today.

Click here for demonstrations and to view the original video.