1. Water Therapy Benefits For Occupational and Physical Therapists Presented by Sarah Hodge

2. A Brief History Water Therapy has been recorded as a medicinal aid for many ancient cultures including: the Greeks Romans Turks the Chinese Empire. Currently Water Therapy started its new life as a therapeutic aid in the early 1900’s in Austria.

3. What is Water Therapy? Water Therapy is any therapy that is done in water, preferably heated to 84-94 degrees. At these temperatures the body relaxes and allows for more movement. Usually it is done one on one with passive and aggressive exercises depending on the clients need and ability. Water therapy is also known as Aqua therapy.

4. Why water therapy? Water therapy: Therapy including weight bearing can begin shortly after surgeries. The hydrostatic pressure of the water helps prevent swelling during therapy. Works core muscles and the focus muscle group with balance Traditional Therapies: Therapy is gradual and slow on weight bearing. Injuries need to stay wrapped or braced to prevent swelling and limiting range of motion. Focuses mainly on one muscle group.

5. ExampleAn injured leg Weight bearing exercises are not an option with traditional therapies With water ,weight bearing exercises are optional and the buoyancy of the water helps to activate the other muscles

6. Back Injury Standard Therapy, could take weeks or months longer for healing, the pressure could cause more pain or disfunction. Water therapy takes the pressure of off the back and the buoyancy of the water allows for strengthening exercises to be done sooner.

7. Conclusion Water Therapy is just beginning to touch the borders of the possibilities for rehabilitation. Given more time and research the results could become mind blowing in the short amount of time rehabilitation is needed in the future.

8. Referances Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute, Home page. n.d. 20 Febuary 2010 <http://www.atri.org/index.html>. Aquatic Therapy Education, Articles of interest. n.d. 24 February 2010 <http://www.atri.org/Articles_of_Interest.htm>. Swedish Covenant Hospital, The science of feeling better. 2003-2010. 23 febuary 2010 <http://www.swedishcovenant.org/visit/content.asp?id=a3018_4677_0_182294>.