Aquatic Therapy
Water has been and remains one of the best environments to regain function regardless of the injury, and Astera Health’s physical therapy staff is proud to provide high-quality warm water Aquatic Therapy.
Program Specifics
With aquatic therapy, swimming is not a prerequisite and all activity consists of exercises performed in the water with therapist supervision or assistance. Patients can perform exercises while utilizing an automated lift chair to lower them in and out of the water. Depending on individual capabilities, patients may also stand or sit on the built-in bench in the water, hold onto the side of the pool, or use a flotation device. The water provides a safe and effective method for healing injuries, restoring patient confidence, and increasing mobility with each completed exercise.
We also offer an aquatic exercise class for expectant mothers who are looking for a way to maintain good overall health during and following pregnancy. This class works to address a full-body fitness education including low-impact aerobic exercise with stretching, strengthening and range of motion activities for the entire body. To learn more or to register for this class, click here.
Insurance Coverage
Consistent with physical therapy, aquatic therapy services are generally covered by most insurance plans; however, our patient financial advocates are happy to discuss any insurance questions you may have. No matter your concern or age, aquatic therapy is an excellent option
To inquire if aquatic therapy may be right for you, call 218-631-7475 in Wadena or 218-548-5580 in Henning, or check with your provider.
CONTACT US
Astera Health – Wadena Rehabilitation Clinic
Astera Health – Henning Physical Therapy Clinic
Other patient services include:
Benefits
Water’s natural buoyancy reduces gravitational pull and lessens compressive forces, making exercises much easier to perform than on land. Best of all, aquatic therapy can be used even if a patient does not know how to swim.
There are many benefits, including:
- Athletic enhancement
- Contributes to overall relaxation
- Improves joint flexibility
- Improves range of motion
- Increases muscular strength and core stabilization
- Reduces pain and comprehensive forces on the spine and joints
- Stimulates body awareness, balance and stability
Individuals with any of the following can benefit from Aquatic Therapy:
- Comorbidity limitations: land-based treatment may be difficult for patients with comorbidities of obesity, arthritis, or cardiac complications.
- Edema: water immersion can reduce lower extremity effusion and edema. Benefits with acute LE swelling for faster healing and improved range of motion with reduced pain.
- Pain: a combination of buoyancy and thermal effects of water can help reduce symptoms of pain. Pool based therapy is proven to be beneficial for chronic and acute pain patients.
- Requires sensory modulation: The pool is a sensory-rich environment to help promote sensory integration for your adult or pediatric patients.
- Unsafe on land: aquatics-based services provide a higher level of safety for unbalanced patients to allow for a more beneficial treatment in the safe environment of water.
- Weight-bearing restrictions: properties of water help to reduce weight into the lower extremities and through the spine.
Care Provided
Aquatic therapy is a wonderful option for individuals of all ages who may be experiencing the following:
- Cervical pain
- Children with disabilities
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty with balance or walking
- Expectant/postpartum mothers
- Fibromyalgia
- Knee, hip & ankle conditions
- Neck & back pain
- Neurological disorders
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Post surgery orthopedic conditions
- Rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
- Shoulder concerns
- Sports injuries
Staff
Jeremy Meyer, PT, DPT
Stacey Callahan, PT, DPT
Trenda Hoemberg, PT, DPT
Kendra Peeters, PT, DPT
Mandy Weber, PTA
Aquatics Courses
Aquatics Moms Course
GOAL: To help expectant or new mothers maintain good overall health during and following pregnancy, to reduce pain associated with later stages of pregnancy, and to improve general stabilization. This one-hour session will address full-body fitness education including low-impact aerobic exercise, stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion activities.
BENEFITS: Water is a phenomenal environment in which to achieve strength, motion and reduced pain. The buoyancy of water supports your body’s weight and reduces the pressure on joints and the spine.
Other benefits:
- Reduces pain in back, legs and between shoulders
- Reduces swelling and pressure in lower extremities
- Improves muscle tone and control in comfortable exercise positions
- Improves activity and free motion during later stages of pregnancy
- Produces relaxation and reduces tension
Conditions or situations where aquatic therapy would not be used:
- Ruptured membranes
- Significant heart disease
- Significant lung disease
- Persistent bleeding in second or third trimester
- Placenta previa after 26 weeks gestation
- Premature labor
- Incompetent cervix
- Viral infection, communicable diseases
Pregnancy Pool Courses are held quarterly on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maslowski Wellness and Research Center. Register online here. For more information, contact 218-631-7475. (Limit 10 people)
