Our services
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy at Omni is physical rehabilitation performed in a warm-water therapy pool in Wallingford, CT, where buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity so patients can move, bear weight, and exercise earlier and with less pain than on land.
Aquatic therapy is one of Omni's signature services. It's in our name. Therapy takes place in warm water, using the physical properties of water to assist healing and exercise performance.
After an injury or surgery, sensitivity to pain can be greatly increased, limiting movement and weight-bearing capacity on land. In water, the effects of gravity are reduced, allowing for increased movement. Buoyancy supports the patient's weight, decreasing stress on joints and allowing greater ease in movement and exercise in a relatively low-impact environment that enhances the healing process.
Therapeutic programs are designed for each patient to improve function, flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination, as well as aerobic capacity, gait, body mechanics, and postural stabilization. The result: pain reduction with improved mobility.
Who aquatic therapy helps
- Non-surgical orthopedic conditions
- Rehabilitation after a motor vehicle accident
- Work-related injury rehabilitation
- Sports injury rehabilitation
- Pre- and post-orthopedic-surgery rehabilitation
- Patients whose pain or weight-bearing limits make land-based exercise difficult to start
Benefits of aquatic physical therapy
- Muscle relaxation and increased peripheral circulation from warm water
- Decreased pain sensitivity due to warmth and buoyancy
- Reduced gravitational load, helping patients stand with less strain and begin range-of-motion, strengthening, stretching, and gait training sooner
- Natural water resistance for gentle strength training
- Stimulated body awareness, balance, and trunk stability
Is aquatic therapy right for everyone?
Aquatic therapy is one of the most effective rehabilitation methods we offer, but it isn't appropriate for every patient or condition. If you're considering aquatic therapy, consult with your physician or talk to our physical therapy team. We'll evaluate whether the pool or a land-based program (or a combination) is the right path for your recovery.
Conditions we commonly treat
- Post-surgical recovery
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Back pain
- Auto accident injuries
- Work injuries
- Sports injuries
- Limited weight-bearing capacity
Where to get aquatic therapy care
Wallingford
8 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492
Aquatic Therapy — frequently asked questions
- Where does Omni offer aquatic therapy?
- Omni's aquatic therapy program is based at our Wallingford office at 8 Research Parkway, Wallingford, CT 06492, which houses our warm-water therapy pool. Call (203) 294-1998 to schedule an evaluation.
- Do I need to know how to swim for aquatic therapy?
- No. Aquatic therapy takes place in a controlled therapy pool under the direct guidance of a physical therapist, and exercises are performed at depths where you can stand. Flotation support is used where needed.
- Who is a good candidate for aquatic therapy?
- Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, motor vehicle accidents, work injuries, or sports injuries — and anyone whose pain or weight-bearing restrictions make land-based exercise too difficult to start. Your physician and Omni's therapists will confirm it's appropriate for your condition.
Start aquatic therapy care at Omni
Call Omni — we'll match you with the right provider and location.