Aquatic training for physical therapy isn't new. But how can your patients benefit from this therapy in 2017?

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  Aquatic training for physical therapy isn&rsquo;t new. It&rsquo;s been used
  for thousands of years. In Ancient Greece and Rome, people went to hot springs
  to relax and improve circulation. Japanese scientists have documented the
  health benefits of hot springs for improving rheumatism, hypertension,
  neuralgia and other medical conditions. In the United States, The Journal of
  Aquatic Physical Therapy advocates the use of aquatic physical therapy and
  publishes research on the subject. How can your patients benefit from aquatic
  training? Consider several ways.
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<h2>Benefits of Aquatic Therapy</h2>

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  Aquatic training for physical therapy can improve a variety of conditions,
  including those listed below:
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  <li>Arthritis</li>
  <li>Autism</li>
  <li>Back pain</li>
  <li>Balance disorders</li>
  <li>Cerebral Palsy</li>
  <li>Joint pain</li>
  <li>Orthopedic injury</li>
  <li>Parkinson&rsquo;s Disease</li>
  <li>Multiple sclerosis</li>
  <li>Recovery from joint or muscle surgery</li>
  <li>Spinal cord injury</li>
  <li>Sprains and strains</li>
  <li>Stroke</li>
  <li>Tendonitis</li>
  <li>Traumatic brain injury</li>
</ul>

<h2>Six Ways You and Your Patients can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy</h2>

<h3>Warm Water hasPsychological Benefits</h3>

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  It helps reduce the stress associated with a patient&rsquo;s physical
  condition, as well as the anxiety some patients experience during care.
  It&rsquo;s easier to educate and treat a relaxed patient. Patients&rsquo;
  confidence and morale increase when they are able to perform in a relaxing
  environment.
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<h3>Aquatic Therapy Helps Relax and Sooth Aching Muscles and Joints</h3>

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  It increases circulation, flexibility and range of motion. This helps you
  gently move and manipulate patients during exercise.
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<h3>Water Provides Buoyancy</h3>

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  Up to 90 percent of a patient&rsquo;s body weight can be supported by water.
  The support water provides helps patients be aware of their body position, and
  it promotes balance and stability. Buoyancy can reduce fear of falling on a
  hard surface and being injured again.
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<h3>Gravitational Force is Reduced with Aquatic Therapy</h3>

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  The result is decreased pain and sensitivity during exercise. The reduced
  pressure on joints and muscles allows your patients to do strength training
  without further damaging the affected area. Lower gravitational force makes it
  easier for patients to stand and begin gait training.
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<h3>Most Pools have Adjustable Resistance</h3>

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  This helps you gradually train a patient&rsquo;s muscles to work harder
  without straining or re-injuring them. The ability to adjust resistance helps
  strengthen patients for traditional physical therapy.
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<h3>The Client Compliance Rate is Better</h3>

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  In an environment that is more relaxed and often less painful than traditional
  therapy, patients often report a better experience with aquatic therapy. They
  look forward to their therapy appointments, and they keep them.
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<h3>Provide Aquatic Therapy as a Travel Physical Therapist</h3>

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  Are you interested in travel physical therapy assignments and the opportunity
  to use your training in aquatic therapy?
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  Cross Country Allied will provide you with opportunities that will expand your
  experience and patient base, and add variety to your career. Look for
  <a href="/sites/cca/travel-job-search">travel&nbsp;opportunities</a> on our
  website or contact us today.
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The Sometimes Overlooked Benefits of Aquatic Training for Physical Therapy