Aquatic Therapy is a personalized rehabilitation program that uses the properties of water to achieve therapeutic results for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Exercising in water…

• Decreases the effect of gravity on joints, lessening the stress of weight-bearing rehabilitation
• Creates a warm, therapeutic environment
• Provides support to aid with overall movement, stretching, strengthening and walking
• Helps make the transition to land activities

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
The Aquatic Therapy Program is tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. All programs have certain goals in common:

• Improving flexibility, balance, coordination and strength
• Providing aerobic conditioning
• Achieving optimal range of motion

Certain properties of water can assist with healing:

• The buoyancy of water allows easier movement with decreased trauma on the joints and spine. With the support of the water, the body is capable of activities that are not possible under the full impact of gravity.
• The water provides a natural resistance that can be varied simply by changing the speed of movement or exercise, or by adding equipment. Thus Aquatic Therapy is particularly helpful after surgery or for general aerobic conditioning.
• Warm water increases blood flow and oxygen exchange, relaxes muscles, sedates sensory nerve endings, improves elasticity of connective tissue and increases blood supply to muscles. The water's soothing warmth helps patients achieve greater range of motion and provides a therapeutic environment for individuals with arthritis or chronic pain.

Aquatic Therapy Treatment
Individuals with a wide range of injuries and conditions such as acute or chronic pain, decreased motion, weakness or arthritis, or those who have had surgery such as total joint replacement, can regain strength and greater range of motion less painfully through Aquatic Therapy. The Aquatic Therapy Program is presently routed at the Winona YMCA with accessibility to the special needs locker room. Both stairs and aquatic lift are available to enter to pool. Therapy sessions range from one-on-one to groups. A punch card is available for the group classes once a patient has transitioned from skilled therapy to managing their own conditions/symptoms.

To participate in the Aquatic Therapy Program

• Obtain a prescription from your physician for Aquatic Therapy
• Call the Rehabilitation Department at 507.457.4329 to schedule an initial evaluation