Joint pain can be a significant impediment to daily life, affecting over 54 million Americans. Many endure the discomfort, delaying diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to worsened conditions and reduced mobility. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we offer advanced aquatic therapy programs designed to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and agility in a supportive environment.
Aquatic therapy, a well-regarded and non-invasive treatment option for various orthopedic issues, utilizes the principles of physical therapy in water. Our programs are expertly guided by trained physical therapists, providing an effective approach to alleviate symptoms associated with orthopedic conditions and enhance overall coordination.
Is Aquatic Therapy Right for You?
Our innovative aquatic therapy program is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Aches that intensify with movement in specific postures
- Joint redness and swelling
- Tenderness and warmth around the joints
- General fatigue
Aquatic therapy offers a gentle yet powerful path to improved function and pain relief, especially beneficial for aging adults who may find land-based exercises challenging.
Unlike conventional high-impact exercise programs, aquatic therapy employs low-impact exercises that effectively restore function and reduce discomfort without causing exhaustion. Its non-invasive nature makes it an excellent option for older adults seeking to improve mobility and strength without surgical intervention. Furthermore, aquatic therapy is also a valuable tool for patients recovering from various orthopedic surgeries, including arthroscopy, joint resurfacing, osteotomy, and arthroplasty.
Our Personalized Approach to Aquatic Therapy
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our dedicated team of specialists and physicians prioritizes a thorough evaluation of each patient’s unique symptoms to create the most effective treatment plan. Aquatic therapy may be recommended as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with medication to optimize your recovery.
Each aquatic therapy session at our facility is conducted by highly skilled and certified physical therapists with extensive experience in aquatic rehabilitation techniques. We utilize cutting-edge orthotic and assistive devices to help patients minimize musculoskeletal tension and improve body mechanics safely.
Depending on each patient’s specific needs, age, lifestyle, and medical history, our physical therapists integrate various therapeutic approaches, including manual therapy, functional training, and targeted breathing exercises into the aquatic sessions. This personalized aquatic therapy plan ensures that each patient receives individualized care tailored to address their specific concerns, whether it’s lower back pain, knee stiffness, shoulder restrictions, or other musculoskeletal issues.
Our physical therapists are proficient in a range of specialized aquatic therapy techniques:
- Watsu: Gentle, passive aquatic bodywork that promotes relaxation and pain relief.
- Ai Chi: A water-based exercise method combining deep breathing and slow, broad movements for relaxation and balance improvement.
- Burdenko Method: An approach integrating water and land exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
- Aqua Running: Running or jogging in water to reduce impact on joints while maintaining cardiovascular fitness.
- Halliwick Concept: A method focused on teaching people with disabilities to participate in aquatic activities, emphasizing balance and movement control.
- Bad Ragaz Ring Method: Utilizing rings for support in the water to facilitate three-dimensional movements and muscle strengthening through resistance.
To further enhance therapy sessions, we utilize a comprehensive array of equipment and accessories, such as:
- Resistance bands and tubing to increase exercise intensity.
- Pool buoys for buoyancy assistance and targeted muscle engagement.
- Weight-adjustable barbells for strength training in the water.
- Kickboards to isolate lower body workouts and improve leg strength.
- Swim belts for buoyancy and support during vertical exercises.
- Ankle weights to add resistance for lower limb strengthening.
- Stationary bicycles adapted for aquatic use to provide low-impact cardiovascular workouts.
- Flotation rings for support and stability in various exercises.
- Hand bars for balance and support during exercises.
- Exercise noodles for buoyancy, resistance, and support in stretching and strengthening exercises.
The Comprehensive Benefits of Aquatic Therapy at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
Our aquatic therapy program harnesses the natural buoyancy of water to minimize stress on joints, enabling patients to experience the advantages of physical exercise with significantly reduced impact on bones, joints, tendons, and muscles. This is especially beneficial for those who find land-based exercises painful or difficult.
We maintain optimal water balance in each therapy pool to further reduce joint sensitivity and stress while promoting musculoskeletal strength development.
The benefits of our aquatic therapy program include:
- Increased flexibility, mobility, agility, and overall strength
- Reduction in swelling and inflammation
- Alleviation of joint pain across various areas, including knees, elbows, hips, shoulders, and ankles
- Enhanced muscle strength and relaxation
- Reduced pressure and stress on joints
- Improvement in gait and balance
- Relief from pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort
- Accelerated recovery following total joint replacement surgeries
- Enhanced balance, coordination, and posture
- Decreased pain sensitivity
Conditions Effectively Treated with Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy serves as an effective treatment modality for individuals with a wide range of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Cerebral palsy
- Sprains and strains
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis
- Post-arthroscopic surgery rehabilitation
- Lower back pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Recovery from joint replacement or reconstruction surgery
- Sports-related injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendonitis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Traumatic brain injuries
Our saltwater aquatic therapy pools are carefully maintained at an ideal temperature range of 82–92 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is designed to optimize body adaptability, facilitate comfortable movement, and enhance musculoskeletal coordination. We are committed to providing attentive care and guidance, ensuring every patient feels comfortable and can easily follow their prescribed exercises.
Our individualized treatment approach ensures that each patient receives dedicated support throughout every step of their aquatic therapy journey, maximizing the benefits of each session. Whether you are recovering from surgery, find land-based exercise too strenuous, or are living with debilitating joint pain, aquatic therapy at Houston Physicians’ Hospital offers a powerful pathway to restore mobility and improve your quality of life.
If you and your physician are considering aquatic therapy as a treatment option, we encourage you to contact our physical therapy offices to discuss our comprehensive approach and personalized treatment plans. Our aquatic therapy program welcomes patients from across Southeast Texas, including South Houston, Galveston, Clear Lake, League City, and Webster.
FIND A DOCTOR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Related Treatments and Programs
Orthopedics
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, our board-certified orthopedic physicians specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. This intricate system comprises your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, playing a crucial role in your movement and overall physical function…
Learn More
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) utilizes specific exercises and physical therapy techniques to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution. VRT is designed to help patients improve gaze stability, reduce dizziness caused by movement, and address blurred vision associated with vestibular disorders…
Learn More
Connect with Our Specialists Today
[
Andrew S. Metz, D.O.
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/andrew-s-metz/)
[
Donald R. Metz, D.O.
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/donald-r-metz/)
[
Karan Bhalla, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., R.V.P.I.
Cardiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/karan-bhalla/)
[
Benjamin Metz, D.O., F.A.C.C.
Cardiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/benjamin-metz/)
[
Kaushal Patel, M.D.
Cardiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/kaushal-patel/)
[
Angela Shiue, M.D., R.P.VI.
Cardiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/angela-shiue/)
[
Rohit Bhuriya, M.D.,
Cardiology / Interventional Cardiologist
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/rohit-bhuriya-m-d/)
[
Ghyath Samman, M.D.
Cardiology / Interventional Cardiologist
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-ghyath-samman/)
[
Jose Cuellar Silva, M.D.
Cardiology/ Electrophysiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jose-cuellar-silva/)
[
Harsha V. Ganga, M.D.
Cardiology/ Electrophysiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/harsha-v-ganga/)
[
Sezen Altug, M.D.
Gastroenterology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/sezen-altug/)
[
Syef Jafri, M.D.
Gastroenterology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/syef-jafri/)
[
Zeid Karadsheh, M.D.
Gastroenterology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/zeid-karadsheh/)
[
Ravi Mani, M.D.
Gastroenterology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/ravi-mani/)
[
Maamoun Harmouch, M.D.
General Surgery
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-maamoun-harmouch/)
[
Michele Blackwell, M.D., FACOG,
Gynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/michele-blackwellm-d-facog/)
[
Jihad Harmouche,
Gynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jihad-harmouche/)
[
Carolyn Kenney, D.O.
Gynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/carolyn-kenney/)
[
Bassem Maximos, M.D.
Gynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/bassem-maximos/)
[
Michael Baracy Jr., M.D.
Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/michael-baracy-jr/)
[
James G. Bonnen, M.D.
Neurosurgery
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/greg-j-bonnen/)
[
Allison M. Rathmann, D.O.
Neurosurgery
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/allison-m-rathmann/)
[
Jeremy C. Wang, M.D.
Neurosurgery
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jeremy-c-wang/)
[
Jacob Weinberg, M.D.
Orthopedic / Pediatric Orthopedics
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jacob-weinberg/)
[
Karthik Jonna, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery/Joint
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-karthik-jonna/)
[
Caleb Jones,
Orthopedics
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/caleb-jones/)
[
Andre Michael Samuel, M.D.
Orthopedics
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/andre-michael-samuel/)
[
Kelly Stephenson, M.D.
Orthopedics
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/kelly-stephenson/)
[
Yevgeny Shuhatovich, D.O., FACS
Orthopedics, Hand
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/yevgeny-shuhatovich/)
[
Joseph C. Allen Jr., M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/joseph-c-allen-jr/)
[
Marilyn Copeland, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/marilyn-copeland/)
[
Omkar Dave, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/omkar-dave/)
[
F. Jay Hoffman, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/f-jay-hoffman-2/)
[
Anthony S. Melillo, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/anthony-s-melillo/)
[
Daniel B. O’Neill, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/daniel-b-oneill/)
[
Keith Schauder, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/keith-schauder/)
[
Terry A. Siller, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/terry-a-siller/)
[
Laura Torres-Barré, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/laura-torres-barre/)
[
David G Vanderweide, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/david-g-vanderweide/)
[
Jesus Juarez, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jesus-juarez/)
[
Baher Maximos, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Hand
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/baher-maximos/)
[
Lauren Hinojosa, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Hand
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/lauren-hinojosa/)
[
Cristin John Mathew, D.O
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Hip and Knee
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/cristin-john-mathew/)
[
M. Shaun Holt, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Shoulder and Elbow
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/marston-s-holt/)
[
Kim J. Garges, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/kim-j-garges/)
[
Thomas L. Jones II, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/thomas-jones-ii/)
[
Ray E. Santos, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/ray-e-santos-3/)
[
Michael Castillo, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/michael-p-castillo/)
[
Robert Darling, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/robert-darling-md-ent/)
[
James C. Grant, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/james-c-grant/)
[
Tu-Anh Ha,
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/tu-anh-ha/)
[
Deborah W Miller, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/deborah-w-miller/)
[
Chester Strunk Jr., M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/chester-strunk-jr/)
[
Christopher Tran, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/christopher-tran/)
[
Caroline Yoon, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/caroline-yoon/)
[
S. Jeffrey Cannella, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/s-jeffrey-cannella/)
[
Albert Carey, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/albert-carey/)
[
Eduardo A. Garcia, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/eduardo-a-garcia/)
[
Omer Munshi, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/omer-munshi/)
[
Sunil Thomas, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-sunil-thomas/)
[
Joseph Toothaker-Alvarez, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/joseph-toothaker-alvarez/)
[
Evan A Bridges, DPM, D. ABFAS, D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-evan-a-bridges/)
[
Bernabe B. Canlas, DPM
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/bernabe-b-canlas/)
[
Jeanna Mascorro, DPM
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jeanna-mascorro/)
[
Viraj Rathnayake, D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/viraj-rathnayake/)
[
Sean Reyhani, DPM
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/sean-reyhani/)
[
Matthew Rockett, D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/matthew-rockett/)
[
Douglas Webb Jr., D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/douglas-webb-jr/)
[
Matthew Higgs, M.D.
Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/matthew-higgs/)
[
Raghu Athre, M.D.
Surgery, Plastic and Reconstruction
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/raghu-athre/)
[
Melissa Hu,
Surgery, Plastic and Reconstruction
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-melissa-hu/)
[
Shitel Patel, M.D.
Surgery, Plastic and Reconstruction
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/shitel-patel/)
[
Danny Mounir, M.D., FACOG
Urogynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-danny-mounir/)
[
Tamer Dafashy, M.D. , M.S.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/tamer-dafashy/)
[
Douglas Dow, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/douglas-dow/)
[
Jeromy Hackney, M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-jeromy-hackney/)
[
Matthew D. Hoggatt, M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/matthew-d-hoggatt/)
[
Thanh A. Nguyen, M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/thanh-a-nguyen/)
[
Henry R. Wagner Jr., M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/henry-r-wagner-jr/)
[
Nathaniel L. Barnes, M.D.
Urology, Infertility
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/nathaniel-l-barnes/)
[
Z. Faisal Cheema, MD, PhD, FACS, RPVI
Vascular Surgery
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/z-faisal-cheema/)
