Aquatic Therapy Information   What is Aquatic Therapy?        Aquatic Therapy is a type of exercise performed in the water instead of on land.  The buoyancy of water provides partial un-weighting of the body while the resistance of water provides the option to strengthen muscles.  Equipment (weights or foam-products) can be used to increase or decrease these two properties to target individual goals.    What are the benefits to Aquatic Therapy?        There are many benefits to doing aquatic therapy versus traditional land based exercises:   Decreases stress to joints Decreases pain Decreases muscle spasms Increases strength Increases range of motion Improves balance and endurance Calming Increases circulation Who is best suited for Aquatic Therapy?        People who will benefit most from aquatic therapy are those with conditions like:   Arthritis Recent injury Fibromyalgia Chronic pain Total joint replacement Weight-bearing limitations Deconditioned Developmental disabilities Who should be cautious before starting Aquatic Therapy?       People with the following characteristics should speak with a physician before starting aquatic therapy:   Fear of water Open wounds Infections Incontinence Tracheostomy Heart problems   The American Physical Therapy Association's Aquatic PT section has a lot to offer people interested in aquatic therapy, check out their website for additional information and other resources   APTA Aquatic section