Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy (also known as water therapy) is a highly effective rehabilitation treatment for individuals dealing with conditions that cause pain when weight is placed on the lower extremities, such as arthritis, knee pain, hip pain, or lower back pain. The buoyancy of water reduces the strain on your joints, allowing you to exercise and regain strength without the discomfort associated with traditional land-based exercises.

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Ivy Rehab / Therapy Services / Specialty Treatments / Aquatic Therapy

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy uses water’s properties to help individuals improve their mobility, strength, and overall function. During water therapy, the buoyancy of the water supports the body, significantly reducing the pressure on the joints and lower extremities. This makes it easier to perform exercises that might otherwise cause pain when done on land.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing muscle spasms, or dealing with joint pain, aquatic therapy can help you regain strength, enhance flexibility, and reduce inflammation. Our certified physical therapists at Ivy Rehab have completed advanced training in aquatic therapy techniques, ensuring you receive personalized care and attention during each pool session.

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Group of happy kids learning swimming in indoor summer pool. Happy children kids group at swimming pool class learning to swim, happy summer vacation

What are the benefits of Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Increased Stability on Land: The buoyancy of water supports your body while you work on regaining balance and coordination.
  • Increased Flexibility: Water-based exercises can help improve the range of motion and flexibility of joints and muscles.
  • Improved Cardiovascular Endurance: Water exercises provide a full-body workout that helps improve heart and lung function.
  • Reduction in Joint Stiffness and Pain: Water’s resistance reduces joint stiffness and provides relief from chronic pain.
  • Decreased Inflammation: The water’s soothing properties help reduce swelling and inflammation, promoting faster healing.

Request your aquatic rehabilitation appointment today at an Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy location near you to learn more about aquatic physical therapy from a trained water physical therapist.

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Common Conditions Treated with Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is effective for treating a wide variety of conditions, including:

  • Sports Injuries: Recover from sprains, strains, and injuries sustained during physical activities.
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Aid recovery from surgeries, particularly those involving joints or the spine.
  • Orthopedic Conditions: Treat conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and back pain.
  • Neurological Conditions: Manage cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and neuromuscular disorders.
  • Fractures and Tissue Injuries: Speed up recovery from broken bones, sprains, and torn muscles.
  • Gait Disorders: Improve walking ability and restore mobility after injuries or neurological conditions.
  • Body Weight Management: Support weight loss efforts through low-impact exercises in the water.

Aquatic therapy is safe and effective for individuals of all ages and abilities. It offers a low-impact way to regain strength, mobility, and function.

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FAQs

How many sessions of aquatic therapy will I need?

The number of sessions needed depends on your individual condition and rehabilitation goals. Your aquatic therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and will track your progress to adjust the frequency of sessions as needed.

Is aquatic therapy safe for seniors?

Yes! Aquatic therapy is a low-impact, gentle form of exercise that is especially beneficial for seniors. The buoyancy of water reduces the pressure on joints, making it easier for seniors to perform exercises that would otherwise cause discomfort. It is ideal for managing arthritis and back pain and improving balance and mobility.

What conditions benefit from aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy is effective for treating conditions such as arthritis, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, muscle spasms, joint pain, and neurological disorders. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with pain or limitations that make traditional land-based exercises difficult or painful

Get Started with Aquatic Therapy at Ivy Rehab

Recovering strength and mobility takes time, and the right environment can make a difference. At Ivy Rehab, we provide effective aquatic therapy services to help individuals improve flexibility, reduce pain, and increase strength in a supportive, water-based environment. Our experienced therapists guide you through personalized treatments that enhance recovery and overall well-being.

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Check out some of our 4 and 5 star reviews

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Excel Physical Therapy4.9
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I had the absolute pleasure of working with Lauryn and the wonderful team at Ivy for both my shoulder and neck. Over the course of 6 months, they tailored a regimen for me that changed, as I improved, to greater assist with my recovery. My last day was 3 days ago and it was bittersweet. On one hand, I am recovered and can life my life far better now than the first day I stepped into Ivy. On the other hand, I will not be able to spend my Tuesdays and Thursdays with such a lovely group of individuals. If anyone is looking for a physical therapist, I cannot recommend this place enough!
Response from the owner:It’s great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Hoboken – Midtown
When I checked in, the ladies was super nice and helpful. Marc was wonderful and really knew what he was doing. I was pleased with all of the service and can’t wait to go back again.
The best place for Physical Therapy! Mark Trimble was so patient and kind , very caring and listened to my concerns about my pain. I’m so pleased. Let me add the front desk ladies are so super nice ! Everyone is very nice !
The best experience! Megan and the team are incredible. I was in rough shape after an accident and they helped me get to a speedy recovery. Perfect balance of being thorough yet easy/fun to work with. I also appreciated the tailoring of exercises to specific activities I was struggling with.
Response from the owner:It's great to hear this feedback! Thank you for taking the time to share your review! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg
Tyler Sauders’s team including Emily, Adam, Bri and Kathleen and Marguerite are the most professional, accommodating and well trained therapists in the region! I am a physician and I am extremely critical of the care i receive! Tyler was my primary therapist but on occasion I was treated by others. They are all ultra caring and truly invested in each clients progress, they make you feel like family. In addition, they make the sessions fun and not monotonous! I cannot over emphasize the respect and respect I have for each one of them!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic rating, we're so grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Conshohocken
I've had previous experience with Ivy Physical Therapy. Professional and courteous all the way through the process. The gentleman I was working with today was thorough. Asked many questions that were pertinent with my issue. One thing, was asked if I had trouble lifting, I think I said no. If you could add to my record that, yes, I do have issues with some lifting, even light weight.. I'll be sure to bring that up next appointment. Thanks again.
Response from the owner:We're so thankful for your kind words and positive review! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Rhinebeck
Absolutely perfect 1st experience. Tracy the receptionist and Brant my therapist were courteous, informative and extremely knowledgeable. They took their time and explained everything. I would recommend this establishment to all my friends and relatives. Thank you for a job well done!
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Moorestown
We graduated from speech today! Mrs Tara was our speech girlie and we couldn’t have been more blessed with her. Thanks ABC and thank you Tara for being so great!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at ABC Pediatric Therapy – West Chester Township
I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived, Warm friendly place, looking forward to more visits nice and ckean,lots of space too,Staff is Wonderful to work with too!!Enjoy working with Leslie !!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate you! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Fort Greene
Joanna Johnson did an excellent job, especially as it was my first rehabilitation session and only three days after my hip replacement surgery. She was very knowledgeable, and shared her knowledge well with me and my two adult children, answering all our questions and concerns. She gave me exercises to do at home, some easy with others taking more of an effort from the affected leg. I appreciate her kindness and attention.
I would highly recommend Excel PT and specifically this location. Antonio and Angelo were fantastic. Both are extremely professional and knowledgeable. They actually made going to PT enjoyable. You can tell they really care about helping their patients. Everyone in the office including the aides and the receptionist are all very friendly and helpful.
Response from the owner:Hi Vincent – thank you so much for your kind review! We're so happy to hear about your experience with the team at our Englewood Cliffs office and appreciate your recommendation. <3
I can’t recommend Ivy Rehab Excel Physical Therapy enough! My experience with Debbie was nothing short of transformative. After undergoing three femur fracture surgeries, I was apprehensive about my recovery, but Debbie’s expertise and dedication made all the difference. She not only guided me through the rehabilitation process with a tailored plan, but she also identified issues that my surgeon had overlooked, ensuring a comprehensive recovery. Debbie’s encouraging approach and deep knowledge of physical therapy empowered me to regain strength and mobility faster than I ever expected. The entire staff at Ivy Rehab is welcoming and supportive, creating a positive environment that made each visit enjoyable. If you’re looking for exceptional care and personalized attention, look no further than Ivy Rehab.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words; we appreciate your feedback! – The team at Excel Physical Therapy, Englewood Cliffs
My PT at Ivy Rehab has been wonderful. The staff is excellent! Crystal always gives you a wonderful greeting. She always helped with scheduling my appointments around my work schedule. Brian gave excellent attention to my recovery needs. He was very thorough in explaining every process of my therapy and pushing me to get the maximum outcome from my therapy. I will be having my other knee replacement done in October. I look forward to coming back for my PT. Thank you Nancy Hammond
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Indian Trail
Just a great place, very clean facility and amenities. Paige and her entire staff are very friendly. I just had my last session and it was bittersweet that I'm leaving the great people behind, but leaving with a positive feeling as my knee replacement rehab could not have been any better. Highly recommend Ivy rehab for all needs. Attention to detail and the programs laid out for me was fantastic. The staff will be missed, but I'll visit them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive feedback, it means the world to us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – North Arlington
My experience with Synergy was great before my operation Hayley got rid of my plain in my back and leg. So I went back after my surgery and requested to go back to Hayley she did a great job getting my strength and my balance back with exercise program at Synergy and home exercise they gave me to do at home. I still have 6 months to finish healing to go yet. But for now I'm very pleased with there work. Now for the staff they all were very nice and helpful. Special thanks to Hayley and Kyle works at the front desk with appointments and insurance questions very helpful 👍
Response from the owner:We value your feedback, thank you for your kind words! – The team at Synergy Rehab and Wellness – Staunton
I’m actually surprised how much better I feel. I felt a change after the first session! Patrick and Katherine are awesome and worked with me directly! The other PTs are super helpful and caring too Grace is always kind. I felt so encouraged to help myself with their help!
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Norfolk
2nd attempt to post this: I made my first visit this past Monday. It was very clean, and it had easy parking. Upon walking in I knew this was the place for me. They were friendly, and caring. When I met my physical therapist, I felt like she had already read my folder and familiarized herself with me. She was ready. You know how you go to the doctors office and he/she asked, why are we here today? I’m thinking I wrote all the reasons for the visit when I set up the appointment. I digress. The icing on the cake for me was an exercise she had me do. I held onto a cross bar to balance me and I put the front half of each foot on the box while holding onto the bar in front of me, and then stand tall. It looked like a shoeshine box. That position stretched something in the back of my calves that was much needed. I stretched and my muscles sanged the hallelujah song for 30 second intervals. She said it was because you get to a point in life where you tend to just drag your feet rather than heel to toe, thus neglecting necessary muscles. I am a woman of a certain age and my daughter is forever saying, your brain is a muscle and you have to stretch it. If you don’t use it, you are going to loose it.
Response from the owner:Your kind review made our day, thank you so much! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Norfolk – Granby
I had a really good experience working with Matt, and his team. I went there because my son had a great experience, I wouldn’t hesitate to go there. Thank you for the help!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback, we're grateful! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy – Monroe MI 
Chris is a great PT. Very experienced and takes the time to listen to what you need. Wouldn't hesitate to refer anyone that needs PT to Chris and his team!
Response from the owner:Thank you for the great review, we really appreciate it! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Caledonia
There is no one you can go wrong with at Ivy Rehab. The ladies at the front desk are incredibly kind and able to navigate unique schedules to ensure you get the help you need. All of the staff is warm, informative, helpful, and friendly. This includes both the therapists and assistants. Special thanks to Joe, Steve, and “V,” for helping to get me back on my feet! 10/10 experience. I could not recommend this place, staff, and environment more.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear – thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us! – The team at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy, Island Park
Megan and the team at Park Sports Physical Therapy are amazing! When I first came in, I could barely run four or five miles without knee pain. The team quickly figured out exactly what I needed to strengthen (my hips) and gave me super targeted exercises that actually worked. In just 8 weeks, I was able to train for the marathon — and yesterday, I ran the New York City Marathon! I honestly didn’t think that would be possible when I started. Their guidance helped me get strong enough to fully enjoy the run and even beat the time I thought I’d hit. I’m so grateful for how supportive and encouraging everyone was. They “graduated” me early — which I didn’t initially want.
Response from the owner:We're thrilled you had such a positive experience, thank you! – The team at Park Sports Physical Therapy – Brooklyn – Williamsburg