Aquatic Therapy (also known as water therapy) is an effective tool to help rehabilitate patients from surgeries and injuries. The Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, states that Aquatic Therapy is an “evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist.” This includes “treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness, and fitness of the patient/client population in an aquatic environment with or without the use of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, or supportive devices and equipment.”

The natural buoyancy of water decreases discomfort associated with exercising by reducing the compressive loading forces that would be present with routine land-based physical therapy programs. Additionally, the natural pressure of water in therapy pools reduces joint and soft-tissue swelling and provides enough resistance to strengthen muscle. Aquatic Therapy can be used to rehabilitate a wide range of conditions including return to sports, balance, coordination, endurance, pain, and more. Different treatment modalities including manual therapy, breathing strategies, therapeutic exercises, and functional training can be used in conjunction with Aquatic Therapy.