Therapeutic heated pool is featured at REHAB’s Nuuanu clinic. Pool and surrounding area provide an atmosphere conducive to recovery from injury or disability. A skylight roof opens, allowing patients a view of the sky, with the comfort of being indoors. Pool is equipped with a specially designed hydraulic lift to assist in transporting individuals directly into the pool.
Highlights
- Pool heated to 92 degrees
- Retractable roof to allow sunshine and fresh air as weather permits
- Ramp and stairs into pool
- Offered 5 days/ week, M-F
- Hours: 8am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5pm
- Initial evaluation on land & treatment sessions in pool
- Sessions last approximately 45 min
- Prescription for physical therapy required
- Individualized treatment session for every patient
What are the benefits of Aquatic Therapy?
1. Buoyancy to unload joints.
When submerged, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This aspect of aquatic therapy is especially useful for patients with arthritis, healing fractured bones or who are overweight. By decreasing the amount of joint stress it is easier and less painful to perform exercises.
2. Viscosity of water for strengthening.
This resistance allows for muscle strengthening. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy, allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with less joint stress than on land.
3. Hydrostatic pressure to decrease swelling and improve proprioception.
The hydrostatic pressure produces forces perpendicular to the body’s surface which increases joint positional awareness and proprioception is improved. The hydrostatic pressure also assists in decreasing joint and soft tissue swelling that results after injury or with arthritic disorders.
4. Warmth for increased circulation.
The warmth of the water relaxes muscles and vasodilates vessels, increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.
What Patients Will Need
It is not necessary for patients to know how to swim before initiating an aquatic therapy program. Each session is directed by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who is specially trained in aquatic therapy. Lockers are available for patient use. We suggest that patients consider bringing:
- A lock for their personal items
- A cover-up or towel
- Swim suit or dark t-shirt and shorts
- Plastic bottle with drinking water to maintain hydration
Contraindications to Aquatic Therapy
Although aquatic therapy is appropriate for many individuals, there are some conditions where waterbased therapy is contra-indicated, such as incontinence, seizure disorders, open wounds or non-healing ulcers, chlorine allergy and/or extreme fear of water. We encourage patients to discuss any concerns they might have with the therapist prior to aquatic therapy treatment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 808-544-3310.
