Hope Therapy Center (HTC) has the largest warm water therapy pool in northeast Colorado with easy access via ramp into the 92-94 degree water.  All HTC therapists have specialized training in aquatic therapy and work with their patients in the water as needed.

Aquatic therapy or pool therapy is a beneficial form of therapy used by HTC physical therapists. This form of therapy consists of an exercise program that is performed in the water.  It is useful for a wide variety of medical conditions including but not limited to:

• arthritis
• strokes
• muscle spasm
• back pain
• fibromyalgia
• multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson's disease, and
• obesity

Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient exercise performance and healing.

Buoyancy

The buoyancy provided by the water supports the weight of the patient reducing the stress placed on the joints.  By decreasing the amount of joint stress exercises can be performed with greater ease and less pain.  This is especially useful for patients with arthritis, those healing a bone fracture or those who are overweight or very deconditioned.

Resistance

Water provides an excellent form of resistance that can be integrated into an aquatic therapy exercise program.  The resisitance of the water allows a person to strenthen muscle groups without the use of weights.  Using the water's resistance and buoyancy allows for strengthening muscles with decreased joint stress with as compared to exercising on land.  It also helps improve the patient's strength and balance.

Hydrostatic Pressure

The pressure of the water acting on the body's surface (hydrostatic pressure) decreases swelling and improves joint position awareness.  This is especially important for patients who have experienced joint sprains.  The hydrostatic pressure also assists in improving circulation and decreasing joint and soft tissue swelling that results after injury or with arthritic disorders.

Temperature

The warmth of the water assists in relaxing muscles and improving circulation.  Patients with back pain, muscle spasms and fibromyalgia find the warmth especially therapeutic.

Aquatic therapy is not for everyone.

If you believe you will benefit from aquatic therapy, discuss it with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.  We have found that aquatic therapy is most effective for those who feel comfortable in the water; fear can be detrimental to your body's ability to respond to therapy.