Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Therapy relies on the unique physical properties of water to enhance rehabilitation. Physical properties include buoyancy, relative density, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and surface tension.

Purpose

• improve cardiovascular efficiency
• increase strength and power
• increase joint range of motion
• assist in gait training and functional activities
• reduce pain and muscle spasm
• increase proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness

Benefits

• unloading of joints
• assist or resist movement
• improve cardiac efficiency (increases venous return to increase cardiac output)
• increases lung perfusion

Service

Aquatic Therapy is provided by OSF Saint James Center Rehabilitation Department, 2500 W. Reynolds Street in Pontiac. A licensed Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist will direct aquatic treatment and supervise licensed personnel administering aquatic care.
 

Referrals

Referrals are on an outpatient basis. Outpatient candidates typically complete a land-based initial evaluation to ensure appropriateness for Aquatic Therapy. Once determined, an aquatic patient often receives Aquatic Therapy in conjunction with land-based therapy procedures.

For further information, please contact OSF Saint James Medical Center Rehabilitation Department at 815-842-4591.