I have used Aquatic Therapy several times.
At first you think, gee, how difficult could it be being in the water doing some stretches, etc.
But, I can tell you first hand, the first couple of sessions I had in the pool, I was exhausted and felt worse. I was about to call my doctor and tell her to forget about this form of therapy.

I am so glad I didnt. As the second and third week went by, I saw a big improvement in my thoracic and lumbar situations. I spent a year in Aqua Therapy with one Therapist working with me.

I graduated from their therapy program and I am now enrolled in their Independent Program. Basically, I use the same pool, I do the same type of stretching, walking and exercises, but I have a technician that watches over all the people in the independent program. So, its not 1 on 1. I could have joined other gyms that had aquatic pools ( has to be between 90 and 95 degrees, and at that heat, there needs to be someone trained in CPR , those portable heart defribrilltor on hand)

I like staying with the independent program, only because you do get supervised and the folks there now you and can tell you when you are doing something right or wrong....

I think you will love the aqua therapy treatments.

I survived my first session but it was mainly evaluating my ROM, muscle testing, and going over my history. Unfortunately we ran out of time for me to get in the pool but I'll will next time. I am so looking forward to getting into that nice warm water. My back and legs are so sore just from the exam and I sure could have used a dip in the pool. Also, I am in awe of your progress with aquatherapy and I hope to do as well as you. Take care

I just wrote a post and poof! gone! boy, that ticks me off. I can't type and it takes me to long anyway!
So as I was saying. My brother had a 3 level fusion and his surgeon ordered aqua therapy. He loved it. Unlike Ron, they started out real slow. In the beginning they just had you walking in 4 ft. of water. And then they went on to the harder stuff. I'm hoping to get that therapy this time. My old surgeon didn't believe in any therapy other than walking. The pompous Ba$sturd said he didn't want anyone screwing up his work!
Good luck, Jim

i have terrible stenosis throughout my spine. i can only take 30 steps with a walker or crutches. but in the water i find i can move fairly well. i dont get as sore as i do with land therapy. the pool is 87 degrees and four ft deep. there is a whirlpool i use to get warm and loose before the session. i walk forward, backward and sideways 4 lengths each. then i do strengthening and stretching in the water. i like it so much i stay 1 to two hours later after the scheduled session. its fun and it loosens you up better than land exercises

joan

Last year I went through a water therapy program one on one with a physical therapist. I just restarted again at the same pool independently. Its the only place I can walk for any length of time. The water is so warm, feels great. I also take one of the styrofoam noodles, wrap it around me and hang in the deep end. Great traction.

Enjoy!

Marianne

the noodles are so helpful. you feel like youre peddling a bike but you can close your eyes and really relax. no pain no strain!!!

joan

I was supposed to go to pool therapy but had a bad day that day. I think I'll call the PT and let him know I'm still interested. I really have to get moving. I hope they have a noodle there I may have to get something like that. I hope you enjoy the pool therapy. Charry

but i found it too much like hard work .so all i do is swimm at my own pace as and when i can
STRAKER

looks like even swimming sends me to back pain hell i have been two times this week and i am close to tears today {this is two days since my last swim}.its just not fair i try to help myself but every time i do i hurt ..whats the 8l00d7 point!!
STRAKER

Thank you so much for your replies and interest. I've been out for a few weeks because my computer crashed (again) and have been busy adjusting to aquatherapy.

So far I enjoy it very much because the staff is patient with me and very professional. They are anti "no pain,no gain" and we go at our own pace since everybody is different. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the hot tub after my exercises too. I've also been walking forward and backwards, sideways, working on the parallel bars in the deeper end,etc. When I get shots of pain they make me stop what I'm doing and performs moves to lessen the pain. Some days I was like "No way I can't make it in today" but I pushed myself to show up because I know they will do their best to help. I admit the pain climbed up as expected and it's been difficult at times, but I really want to achieve a couple goals: better mobility and posture.

Catch you all next time and thanks again, Meydey