Unfortunately, shoulder injuries are a frequent happening with people of all ages. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “more than 7 million people experience shoulder problems.” These shoulder injuries may include: arthritis, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff issues and upper-arm sprains.
Numerous physical therapists recommend aquatic therapy as a viable option for shoulder rehabilitation because it gets their patients moving sooner than regular land physical therapy.
According to Veronica Paquette, PT, ATRIC, PRC, prior to utilizing water therapy with an injured individual consider the following:
After evaluating those two main concerns, the next step is to develop the proper therapy exercises for the patient. The two main exercises that Paquette discuss are:
It is important that throughout this therapy process, the physical therapist is observing their patients and ensuring they are properly executing the exercises. Aquatic therapy enables patients to do more than they would do out of the water because water eliminates 20% to 100% of a person’s body weight. Not to mention, aquatic therapy is very safe, removing the risk of further injury.
Patients who enjoy their aquatic therapy sessions are more likely to refer their physical therapists and fitness centers to others, generating more awareness and more clients! It’s a win, win!
This post was last modified on December 13, 2023 11:59 am
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Your notes on important assessments prior to applying water therapy are well noted... Some time ago, I took on a client with a torn rotator cuff. She had been working with another trainer, who simply plopped her into a local YMCA pool and began directing a workout regimen...... without realizing she required special concern due to ankle surgery the previous year.
Long story short, I was tasked not only with helping her recover shoulder strength and movement - but also with repairing damages caused by poorly executed water therapy training, to her ankle. With proper technique and consideration, we were able to restore her to nearly 90% of her original movement. But it was a lot harder on her than it needed to be.
Always look for an EXPERIENCED trainer when getting any kind of physical therapy. Otherwise you're just begging to get hurt.