Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Physical Therapy in East Tennessee

Tristar Physical Therapy offers aquatic therapy — also known as pool therapy or hydrotherapy — for patients who benefit from the reduced-gravity environment of water. Our warm therapy pool provides an ideal setting for rehabilitation when land-based exercise is too painful or difficult.

Aquatic therapy is available at select Tristar locations. Call us to find the nearest clinic with pool access.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Water’s natural buoyancy reduces the load on joints by up to 90%, allowing patients to exercise with less pain and greater range of motion. The hydrostatic pressure of water also reduces swelling and improves circulation. Aquatic therapy offers reduced joint stress during weight-bearing exercise, improved range of motion in a warm water environment, natural resistance for strengthening without heavy equipment, enhanced balance training with reduced fall risk, and pain relief through warmth and hydrostatic pressure.

Who Benefits from Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is particularly beneficial for patients recovering from joint replacement surgery, those with severe arthritis or fibromyalgia, individuals with chronic pain conditions, patients with neurological conditions affecting mobility, elderly patients at risk for falls, and anyone unable to tolerate land-based exercise. Many patients transition from aquatic therapy to land-based therapy as their strength and mobility improve.

What to Expect

Aquatic therapy sessions are conducted by a licensed physical therapist in our heated therapy pool. You’ll perform prescribed exercises in the water while your therapist guides you from the pool deck or in the water alongside you. Sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Bring a swimsuit and towel — we provide everything else.