Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy at North Mississippi Health Services allows early joint movement, even if a patient is experiencing pain.
Water supports the body and significantly reduces stress to joints so patients can strengthen and tone muscles. Aquatic therapy is appropriate for patients of all ages.
Our Pools
Our therapeutic pools are maintained at 86 to 96 degrees. The room is also humidity controlled to prevent chilling after leaving the water. Pools are equipped with side rails and a bench for seated exercises or resting, and a "non-slip" pool deck to increase safety.
Options for entering/exiting the pool include a hydraulic lift chair (Tupelo only), steps and a ladder. A variety of exercise equipment is available to enhance the patient's rehab program. Showers, towels and lockers are supplied. We recommend the use of non-skid footwear in the locker/shower area. Patients have the option of wearing comfortable, loose-fitting street clothes or a swimsuit during sessions. Participants do not need to know how to swim and are not required to go under water.
Benefits
- Increased circulation
- Increased strength
- Increased ROM and flexibility
- Increased balance and coordination
- Increased muscle tone
- Increased joint lubrication
- Decreased joint stress because of buoyancy
- Decreased swelling because of hydrostatic pressure
- Decreased spasticity
- Decreased pain
- Core strengthening
Who Can Benefit?
- Patients with arthritis
- Patients suffering from athletic injuries
- Patients suffering from chronic pain, such as Fibromyalgia
- Patients who have had joint replacement
- Patients suffering from neck and low back pain
- Patients suffering orthopedic dysfunction or surgery
- Patients with scoliosis
- Patients who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury
- Pediatric patients
- Post-mastectomy patients
- Pregnant women
Referrals
Referral from a health care provider is required for physical therapy or occupational therapy. The referral should specify "Aquatic Therapy" to ensure that this will be part of the patient's rehabilitation program.
Maintenance Pool Program
Patients who have reached maximum benefit from their therapy program but feel that continued use of the pool would be beneficial, may choose to join our pool maintenance program. The program is run by volunteer staff. It is offered three days a week at noon. The cost is $5 an hour.
