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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.
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