Aquatic Therapy: Research, Practice, and Lifelong Benefits

Overview

Aquatic therapy is a powerful and versatile rehabilitation tool that supports recovery across the lifespan. Thanks to the unique hydrodynamic properties of water, aquatic therapy can:

• Enhance vascular function

• Offload stress on the joints

• Facilitate upward movement and mobility

This makes it highly effective in both acute care (e.g., Guillain-Barré Syndrome, where grade 1–2 muscles can still move body parts in water) and chronic conditions (such as stroke recovery, functional mobility training, and post-surgical rehabilitation). Children also thrive in pool-based therapy, benefiting from play-based engagement and improved range of motion.

Why Aquatic Therapy?

Early mobilization in water:

• Reduces hospital stays

• Promotes faster functional recovery

• Supports social and mental health

If your rehab facility doesn’t have a pool, community pools can be a valuable alternative—just ask the RTs at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton!

Aquatic therapy isn’t only cost-effective, it also:

• Promotes lifelong physical activity

• Offloads joints while improving mobility

• Increases brain vascularity

• Relaxes spastic muscles

• Encourages participation in social, class-based programs

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, recreation therapists, PTAs, and OTAs—any rehabilitation professional interested in learning more about the evidence and practical applications of aquatic therapy in both clinical and community settings.

Let’s talk about it—let’s look at the research and explore how you can bring aquatic therapy to your clients.