eNeuro
Aquatic therapy helps restore mobility one stroke at a time
Katie Satre, P.T.
Jessica Hart, P.T.A.
Physical therapists, Providence Rehabilitation Services
Strokes can be debilitating, often causing a loss of mobility that can lead to deterioration of the cardiovascular system. Stroke survivors are at risk for developing muscle atrophy, contractors, osteoporosis, and impaired circulation in the legs and feet, leading to thrombosis or ulcers. As an adjunct to land-based exercises, aquatic therapy uses the properties of water to improve gait speed and balance, increase aerobic capacity and strength, and decrease spasticity.
Providence Rehabilitation Services offers outpatient physical therapy as well as aquatic exercises designed for people who have had a stroke.
Because water has 700 times the density of air, it offers more resistance while:
“Each one of these techniques can be taught to a spouse, partner or caregiver to allow the patient to continue rehabilitation at home or in a Providence therapy pools.”
- Reducing joint impact
- Improving gait speed and balance
- Increasing aerobic capacity and strength
- Decreasing spasticity
- Decreasing the risk of falling
Aquatic therapy can consist of passive or active assisted techniques such as Bad Ragaz, Halliwick or Watsu.
Bad Ragaz is a technique performed with therapist support while the patient is supine. It uses the support and viscosity of water to provide isometric and isotonic resistance for upper and lower extremities and trunk control. The movements are based on PNF, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, patterns.
Halliwick is a technique that increases body-in-space awareness, balance, strength and coordination. Using a problem-solving approach, it focuses on posture control, normalizing muscle stiffness and easing movement. Lastly, Watsu is a passive technique that, like Bad Ragaz, also is performed with the patient in a supine position. It uses the resistance of water to decrease tone and improve range of motion.
Each one of these techniques can be taught to a spouse, partner or caregiver to allow the stroke patient to continue rehabilitation at home or in one of Providence’s therapy pools.
Providence offers a post-stroke aquatic class as well as Ai Chi, a movement and relaxation program similar to T’ai Chi. To learn more about classes, associated fees and scheduling, visit our website.
Related: What patients can expect from inpatient rehabilitation
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