Aquatic Physical Therapy & Aquatic Exercise

About Our Programs
The therapeutic value of water has long been recognized to stimulate the body's healing process. Today, the additional benefits provided by hydrotherapy, including physical conditioning, cardiovascular fitness and social integration are becoming widely recognized.

San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital offers both aquatic exercise and aquatic physical therapy programs to meet the needs of those with physical disabilities as well as those who are interested in improving their overall physical condition.

All programs take place in the only therapeutic pool in the Valley, maintained at a higher temperature (93 degrees) than typical fitness center pools. Our pool is four feet deep with a hand rail around the perimeter. A special lift chair is available to assist those in wheelchairs into the pool, and participants have access to a changing area, shower and locker facility.

Aquatic therapy or exercise programs may be beneficial to those with the following conditions:
• Arthritis
• Acute or chronic low back pain
• Acute injury
• Pre/Post surgery
• Generalized Weakness
• Prenatal/Postpartum
• Fibromyalgia

Exercise or Therapy?
To determine which program, aquatic exercise or aquatic therapy, is right for you, please review the following information on each of our programs.

Aquatic Physical Therapy
This program is for patients who require physical therapy but cannot tolerate a land-based program. Aquatic physical therapy is by physician prescription only. This is a medically directed program planned in consultation with your physician, a physical therapist and an aquatic rehabilitation specialist.

Initial evaluations are provided by a physical therapist and treatments provided by physical therapy assistant/aquatic rehabilitation specialist. The program is usually six to 18 visits, depending upon your physician's prescription.

Hydromotion
Our hydromotion program is for people with specific physical disabilities. This program requires a referral by a physician or therapist and is for patients in need of one-on-one sessions with an aquatic rehabilitation specialist.

Aquatic Exercise - Community-Based Programs
Aquatic exercise programs are conducted by fitness instructors. Classes are open to the community, but participants must be medically cleared by their physician to participate in an aqua aerobics program. Participants in this program do not receive therapy services. Rather, our aquatic exercise classes are for those who wish to improve their physical condition and cardiovascular fitness. We offer several classes, including:

• HYDRO CONDITIONING (Beginning and Intermediate) Classes consist of low to moderate intensity exercise program that includes range of motion, flexibility, strengthening, and limited cardiovascular exercise. Each class is approximately 45 minutes.

• HYDRO FITNESS (Advanced) Classes consist of water aerobics for cardiovascular conditioning and muscle strengthening. This class is geared toward participants with minimal or no physical limitations. Each class is approximately one hour.