Tips for Getting Started with Aquatic Therapy

If your physical therapist has suggested aquatic therapy as part of your care plan, they’ve made an excellent choice. Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy that’s easy on the joints because of the added buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of being in the water. 

At Elation Physical Therapy in Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Texas, our team of distinguished physical therapists provides physical therapy to improve musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and swelling from arthritis, mobility issues, and many other injuries. It’s particularly effective for low back pain, which is the world’s leading cause of disability. Engaging in aquatic therapy can improve the strength, mobility, and function of an injured or painful body part. 

If you’re preparing to start aquatic therapy, we have some helpful tips for getting started:

Choose your swimwear wisely

You’ll be in a swimming pool for your aquatic therapy sessions, so it’s time to (swim)suit up. But instead of grabbing your most stylish swimsuit, find something comfortable and dynamic. You should be able to move freely without feeling restricted or worrying about wardrobe malfunctions. 

Our team at Elation Physical Therapy recommends one-piece swimsuits over bikinis for women. Ensure your swimwear fits snugly without being too tight so you can move freely in it. 

Stay relaxed and start slowly

Our team will ease you into aquatic therapy, starting with your first session. Aquatic therapy uniquely employs slow, controlled movements in the water. Because of its relaxed nature, you don’t have to worry about moving too quickly or overworking yourself. Knowing this might give you some peace of mind before attending your first aquatic therapy session so you can go in with confidence. 

Stay hydrated, just like with any workout

Staying hydrated can help you avoid dehydration, which can cause muscle cramps and lightheadedness. As you can imagine, the effects of dehydration can limit your progress in aquatic therapy or any other type of physical therapy. 

It can be easy to neglect hydration when you’re surrounded by water in a swimming pool. Still, you should make sure to stay hydrated before, during, and after every aquatic therapy session at Elation Physical Therapy. 

Drinking plenty of water reduces muscle fatigue and can help you prevent injuries that counteract your physical therapy progress. Additionally, proper hydration enhances your athletic performance and helps keep your joints well-lubricated for less pain. 

Listen to your body

Our team at Elation Physical Therapy always encourages you to express your concerns and ask any questions that arise during aquatic therapy. If you feel increased pain or start feeling fatigued, it may be time to slow down, focus on another muscle group, drink some water, or end the session. 

Although aquatic therapy is relaxed and easy on the joints, you shouldn’t feel pressured to push beyond your limits energy-wise or pain-wise. Our team is dedicated to giving you a beneficial experience with aquatic therapy at Elation Physical Therapy. 

Get in touch to learn more

Our team can give you the specifics on what to expect from aquatic therapy based on your condition, symptoms, and goals. To learn more about your upcoming aquatic therapy sessions and other forms of physical therapy, request an appointment online or over the phone at Elation Physical Therapy today.

Author

Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr., PT, PhD, DPT, MCHES Dr. Rivera is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Elation Physical Therapy in Houston and Pearland, Texas. Working across a variety of health care settings, Dr. Rivera has a philosophy and interest in helping people reach or return to their peak physical conditions in the face of physiological setbacks. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Dr. Rivera went on to earn his Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Dr. Rivera continued his education at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah, completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). He then went on to earn his Doctor of Philosophy in Health Studies at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas.