Aquatic Physical Therapy

Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital offers patients the full therapy experience, including Aquatic Physical Therapy. Aquatic based therapy is an excellent option or addition to traditional land based therapy. NOH’s aquatic therapy pool is used strictly for a one on one patient care and is not for public use or community classes. Our pool is a 10’ x 14’ Swim Ex 1000T Pool and has a variation of 4, 5, and 6-foot depths to accommodate for patient height and weight bearing status. Patients are not expected to get their head wet or to be able to swim. Swimwear is encouraged, but t-shirts and shorts are allowed. The pool is easily accessible with a 350 lb maximum handicap-accessible chair lift or stair access for patient entry. For privacy, there are separate shower and locker facilities for men and women located at aquatic area.

Types of injuries or conditions that would benefit from aquatic therapy:

• Post-op Total Knee or Total Hip rehabilitation
• Post-op ACL, Meniscus repair, or Carticel rehabilitation
• Post-op ankle fusion, Achilles tendon repair, Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
• Stress fractures
• Muscle soreness/weakness
• Back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Fibromyalgia

Benefits of an Aquatic Environment

The benefits of aquatic therapy include buoyancy, water viscosity, hydrostatic pressure and warmth. Buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient, which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints. This aspect of aquatic therapy is especially useful for individuals with a fracture, overweight, or osteoarthritis.

The viscosity of water and optional current, provide an excellent source of resistance that can be incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. Using resistance coupled with buoyancy, allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with less joint stress that cannot be experienced on land.

Hydrostatic pressure provided by submersion in water, can assist to decrease swelling and improve joint position awareness called proprioception. The hydrostatic pressure assists in decreasing joint and soft tissue swelling that results after injury, surgery or with arthritic disorders. Proprioceptive training is important for patients who have balance issue or disruption to joint structures, like sprains or torn ligaments.

Lastly, our warm water pool is maintained at 92 degrees, helping with muscle relaxation and joint mobility. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of the pool therapeutic.

Your Visit

An aquatic physical therapy session is conducted by a Physical Therapist who specializes in Aquatics. The aquatic therapist will be in the pool with you as needed, to help instruct you in a safe and comfortable environment. Range of motion, gait, posture, strength, and a home exercise program are evaluated at the first visit. The duration of the aquatic therapy program and the use of land therapy is determined by the therapist based on patient progress and goals.

If you have further questions regarding Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital’s Aquatic Therapy Program, please call us at 402.609.1750.