Aquatic Therapy pool

What is an Aquatic Therapy pool?

An aquatic therapy pool, often referred to as a hydrotherapy pool, is a specially designed pool used for therapeutic purposes. It differs from regular swimming pools in several ways to cater to the needs of individuals undergoing rehabilitation or seeking therapeutic benefits. Here are some key features and benefits of an aquatic therapy pool:

1. Warm Water: Aquatic therapy pools are typically heated to warmer temperatures, usually between 88°F to 94°F (31°C to 34°C). The warm water helps to relax muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce pain.
2. Buoyancy: The buoyant properties of water reduce the weight and stress on joints, allowing individuals to perform exercises with less pain and resistance. This is especially beneficial for those with arthritis, post-surgical patients, or individuals with weight-bearing restrictions.
3. Resistance: Water provides natural resistance, which can be used to strengthen muscles without the need for weights. The resistance can be adjusted by changing the speed or method of movement.
4. Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure exerted by water on the body can help reduce swelling, improve joint position awareness, and increase proprioception.
5. Safety: The risk of injury from falls is minimized due to the buoyancy of water. This makes aquatic therapy a safer option for those with balance issues or for those who are at risk of falls on land.
6. Equipment: Aquatic therapy pools may have specialized equipment such as underwater treadmills, resistance jets, and various flotation devices to aid in therapy sessions.
7. Accessibility: These pools often have features like ramps, lifts, or graduated steps to make them accessible to individuals with mobility challenges.
8. Therapeutic Programs: Aquatic therapy pools are often used in conjunction with specific therapeutic programs designed by physical therapists or other rehabilitation professionals. These programs are tailored to the individual’s needs, whether it’s for rehabilitation after an injury, managing chronic pain, or improving mobility and strength.

Aquatic therapy can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, chronic pain conditions, and more. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any therapeutic program.

The application of Aquatic Therapy pools

Aquatic therapy pools offer a unique blend of physical and psychological therapeutic benefits, harnessing the natural properties of water to cater to diverse patient needs. From managing chronic pain to addressing the psychological aftermath of trauma, these pools serve as holistic healing environments. Here, we delve into the myriad applications of aquatic therapy pools, grouped under a central conceptual premise: “Holistic Healing Through Water.”

Holistic Healing Through Water:

1. Physical Rehabilitation and Pain Management:
   • Chronic Pain Management
   • Muscle Relaxation
   • Improved Circulation
   • Joint Mobility
   • Safe Environment
   • Enhanced Sleep
   • Improved Range of Motion
   • Decreased Muscle Spasms
   • Improved Cardiovascular Health
   • Improved Posture
2. Psychological Well-being and Trauma Recovery:
   • PTSS and Water
   • Sensory Experience and Embodiment
   • Mental Calmness
   • Emotional Release
   • Trauma Processing
   • Emotional Safety
   • Enhanced Mood
   • Emotional Regulation
   • Enhanced Self-awareness
   • Therapeutic Bond
3. Mind-Body Connection and Sensory Integration:
   • Embodiment in Water
   • Aquatic Mindfulness
   • Breathing Techniques
   • Sensory Stimulation
   • Mind-Body Connection
   • Enhanced Breath Awareness
   • Decreased Sensory Overload
   • Enhanced Relaxation Response
   • Enhanced Coping Skills
   • Enhanced Body Image

Top 10 Most Important Applications:

1. Chronic Pain Management: Alleviating pain through the buoyancy and warmth of water.
2. PTSS and Water: Utilizing the calming nature of water for trauma recovery.
3. Safe Environment: Offering a risk-free space for those with balance or mobility issues.
4. Mental Calmness: Using water’s soothing properties to reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Emotional Release: Allowing water to serve as a medium for processing emotions.
6. Trauma Processing: Providing a safe space for addressing and working through traumatic memories.
7. Joint Mobility: Harnessing water’s resistance for pain-free joint exercises.
8. Enhanced Sleep: Promoting better sleep patterns through regular aquatic therapy.
9. Aquatic Mindfulness: Grounding individuals in the present moment through water exercises.
10. Therapeutic Bond: Strengthening the relationship between patient and therapist in a unique therapeutic setting.

Methods

Read more about Active versus Passive Aquatic Therapy
Read more about the methods used in Aquatic Therapy or Hydrotherapy
Read more about the 7 methods in Aquatic Therapy
Read more about modalities and methods in Aquatic Therapy

Which kinds of Aquatic Therapy pools exist?

EWAC Medical Stainless Steel Modular Pool: The EWAC Medical stainless steel modular pool stands out with its flexible design and adaptability. Its key feature, the movable floor, allows therapists to adjust water depth, tailoring buoyancy levels for diverse therapeutic exercises. Deeper water can aid those with limited mobility, while shallow water suits advanced rehabilitation stages. Additionally, the pool’s underwater treadmill facilitates walking or running exercises, combining the benefits of water’s resistance and buoyancy, ideal for injury recovery.

Concrete Pool: Concrete pools are fixed, permanent structures. While sturdy, their static nature means a constant depth, limiting adaptability for varied therapeutic needs.

Advantages of the Modular Pool: The EWAC pool’s modular design offers significant advantages over concrete pools. Its adjustable floor provides a dynamic therapeutic environment, catering to a range of patient needs. The underwater treadmill enhances its therapeutic potential, allowing combined hydrotherapy and cardiovascular training. In essence, the EWAC pool’s features offer a more versatile aquatic therapy solution than traditional concrete pools.

How to improve the functionality of an Aquatic Therapy pool

1. EWAC Medical Movable Pool Floor:
   • Adaptability: The movable floor allows therapists to adjust the water depth, ensuring optimal buoyancy for diverse therapeutic exercises. This means patients can be positioned at the right depth for their specific needs, whether it’s for weight-bearing exercises or more buoyant, low-impact movements.
   • Safety: For patients with mobility issues, the adjustable floor can be raised to allow easy entry and exit, reducing the risk of slips or falls.
2. Underwater Treadmill:
   • Cardiovascular Training: This feature allows patients to engage in cardiovascular exercises without the full weight-bearing stress on joints. For a therapist, it means being able to combine muscle strengthening and aerobic conditioning in one session.
   • Gait Analysis: Therapists can observe and correct a patient’s walking or running form in real-time, promoting better biomechanics and reducing injury risk.
3. Underwater Cameras:
   • Visual Feedback: Cameras provide immediate visual feedback to both therapists and patients. This allows for instant corrections in movement patterns, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapy.
   • Documentation: Recording sessions can help track progress over time, providing tangible evidence of improvement.
4. Underwater Bicycle:
   • Low-Impact Cardio: The underwater bicycle offers another avenue for cardiovascular training, with the added resistance of water enhancing muscle work.
   • Versatility: Catering to patients who might find walking challenging, it provides an alternative means of movement and exercise.
5. Pooltrack Curve:
   • Dynamic Resistance: This curved resistance track can be used for various exercises, allowing therapists to introduce progressive resistance training in the aquatic environment.
   • Functional Training: It aids in mimicking real-world movements, ensuring patients are better prepared for daily activities.
6. Aquatic Obstacle Course:
   • Motor Skills Development: Setting up obstacle courses can challenge and improve a patient’s coordination, balance, and agility.
   • Engagement: Such courses can make therapy sessions more engaging and fun, increasing patient motivation.
7. Accessibility Options:
   • Overhead Pool Hoist: Ensures safe transfers for patients with severe mobility restrictions. For therapists, it means being able to cater to a broader range of patients without compromising on safety.
   • Stair Systems: These provide a gradual entry into the pool, ideal for those who might find traditional pool ladders challenging. It ensures that therapy remains accessible to all, regardless of mobility levels.

In essence, these features and accessories significantly enhance the functionality of an aquatic therapy pool. From a therapist’s perspective, they offer the tools needed to provide personalized, effective, and safe therapeutic interventions, ensuring that every patient’s unique needs are met in the aquatic environment.

What are the alternatives for an Aquatic Therapy pool for harnessing the Healing Properties of Water?

Beyond the traditional aquatic therapy pool, there are several alternatives that utilize the therapeutic benefits of water. These alternatives can be broadly categorized into active and passive aquatic therapy modalities.

1. Passive Aquatic Therapy: In passive aquatic therapy, the patient is more relaxed and doesn’t actively participate in exercises. Instead, the water’s properties, such as warmth and hydrostatic pressure, are used to relax muscles, improve circulation, and alleviate pain.
   • EWAC Medical Hubbard Tank or Butterfly Bath in passive application: This is a specialized bath designed for immersion hydrotherapy. Patients can lie down in the bath, fully immersing their body, allowing the warm water to soothe and relax muscles. The design ensures even distribution of warmth, providing therapeutic relief without the need for active movement.
   • EWAC Medical’s Range of Passive Hydrotherapy Baths: These baths are designed to provide therapeutic relaxation through immersion. They might come with features like jet streams or whirlpools to enhance the therapeutic experience, targeting specific muscle groups or areas of pain.
2. Active Aquatic Therapy: In active aquatic therapy, the patient engages in specific exercises or movements in the water. The resistance, buoyancy, and warmth of the water aid in muscle strengthening, improving mobility, and pain relief.
   • EWAC Medical Butterfly Bath in active application: While the butterfly bath can be used passively, it’s also designed for active therapy. Patients can perform specific exercises or movements within the bath, benefiting from the water’s resistance and buoyancy.
   • EWAC Medical Pilates Bath (Active): This is a specialized bath designed for aquatic Pilates exercises. It allows patients to engage in a range of movements and exercises, harnessing the benefits of water while following the principles of Pilates. This combination can be particularly effective for core strengthening, flexibility, and postural improvement.

While aquatic therapy pools offer a comprehensive environment for water-based therapy, alternatives like the Butterfy Bath, Pilates baths, and passive hydrotherapy baths from EWAC Medical provide targeted solutions. Whether seeking passive relaxation or active rehabilitation, these alternatives ensure that the healing properties of water are accessible in various therapeutic contexts.