News and Events

Time to Get Back in The Water

Poets, philosophers and physicians have all written about "HEALING WATERS." In Physical Therapy, we recognize that water supports body weight which makes exercising easier. Water exercise can stretch muscle fibers and decrease muscle spasms while providing consistent resistance surrounding the joints for more efficient strengthening. Aquatic Therapy is beneficial for many injuries; it is also fun and invigorating.

The benefits of aquatic therapeutic exercise include decreased stiffness, swelling and pain, and increased mobility, strength and function of joints and muscles. Because the water environment improves cardiovascular endurance, circulation and respiration, professional athletes and NASA astronauts cross train in the aquatic environment. For others and those less active after prolonged sedentary lifestyles due to illness, age or disinterest in gym workouts, there is an ease of movement in the water that improves balance and coordination making exercising fun and less stressful to the body. Participants need not know how to swim, there is no lap swimming. For those afraid of water or swimming, therapy can be kept at waist depth and staff will be present at all times.

People suffering from chronic pain, joint problems or an injury are encouraged to call their doctor for a referral to a trained physical therapist for evaluation and possible aquatic therapy. The therapist at Pinnacle Physical Therapy are well trained and appointments are available on Monday and Wednesday evenings 4-6. Insurance covers aquatic therapy for many ailments, and is very cost effective as a customized therapeutic program that transfers well to a home or community pool for continuing relief. Arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and some cardiac rehab can be addressed with aquatic therapeutic exercise. Osteoporosis research shows that there is no substitute for weight bearing exercise to rebuild bones, but if one has not been exercising, then water exercise is a safe and gentle place for those fragile bones and a fun way to get back to exercising. Once a base line level of strength is achieved, the therapist can direct the patient to the appropriate follow-up land exercise.

For more information about the programs above, visit www.PinnaclePT.net or call, the clinic office at 209-736-0956.

Read More in Our May 2013 Newsletter »

News Archive

• May 2012 Newsletter
• Pinnacle Physical Therapy in Angels Camp, CA Surpasses the National Norm in Performance and Satisfaction
• Aquatic Therapy is Back at Pinnacle Physical Therapy
• February 2012 Newsletter