About Aquatic Physical Therapy

Aquatic Physical Therapy (APT) is the practice of therapeutic treatment interventions in the water environment. It is a tool to achieve optimal movement and function potential in clients using the mechanical and thermal properties of water. APT can produce short and long-term therapeutic effects, using specific stimuli to generate a positive physiological response.
 

Effects of Hydrodynamics to the Body Systems

When the Body is Immersed in Water.....

1. Cardiac System- increased the Stroke Volume. 

2. Pulmonary System- 60% increased work of breathing.

3. Renal System-diuresis, increased excretion of Na and K reducing oedema.

4. Muscle System-decreased EMG activity.

5. Nervous system-increased pain threshold, suppressed sympathetic nervous system activity, increased plasma dopamin and has positive effects on mood.

6. Vascular System-increased carotid artery diameter and cerebral artery flow.

7. Brain- primed sensorimotor cortex with water immersion and flow.

 

The Healing Properties of Water

Buoyancy

•  Water is not gravity eliminated but offsets the downward force of gravity. Buoyancy assists movement and decreases joint compression.

 
Hydrostatic Pressure

• Gradual pressure on the body in a standing position and is proportional to depth of immersion.  Hydrostatic pressure moves fluid through the lymphatic and vascular network from the limbs to the thoracic and pelvic cavities. It reduces limb swelling and  improves heart efficiency.

 
Turbulence

• Uses wave action to create positive and negative pressures (undulating) produced by client or therapist. Any movement in the water creates waves that can gently or radically challenge balance in any direction. Creates multidirectional proprioceptive response to limb moving in water, not a linear plane of movement. Gentle wave action can mimic lymphatic massage. 

 
Viscosity and Pressure Drag

• Movement of the body through the water creates patterns of resistance.  Challenging balance in a ‘safe-falls’ environment and providing a total body workout to maintain stance. It slows reaction time and increases the ability to maintain and practice balance.

 
Thermo-neutral

• Warmer water can increase circulation and joint lubrication which results in a reduction in muscle spasm and increased range of motion. The thermal sensation on skin overrides pain pathways and decreases pain perception.

 

Water also helps with assisting the client at the end of the ROM as well as reducing anxiety, hypertension and blood pressure.