Aquatic Therapy is often used in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and post surgical movement and weight bearing restrictions. Aquatic Therapy utilizes the principles of buoyancy and viscosity of water to allow you to facilitate your rehabilitation.  Buoyancy allows for weight bearing activities while not allowing full body weight compression through your joints while performing exercise.  The viscosity of the water provides resistance to movements during exercise that helping to improve strength.

The physical benefits of aquatic therapy are astounding; however, our favorite aspect of aquatic therapy is the psychosocial benefits. Aquatic therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, increase one’s ability to concentrate, enhance a feeling of well-being and confidence, and allow a person in pain to find their center of calm. The pool atmosphere often seems less clinical than a P.T. gym, and most people equate the swimming pool with fun!

We love to see a well-worn wheelchair sitting empty by the side of the pool, while the wheelchair user walks in the pool with perhaps only minimal support from an aide or therapist. While observing a pool therapy session at our facility one day, we  noticed something unique. It was difficult to tell which person was the client (who was actually quite impaired) and which person was the therapist, as the two walked and joked side-by-side in the water. The pool atmosphere is very normalizing, especially if therapy sessions can be transitioned to a community pool. At the pool, it is easy for exercise and therapy to naturally evolve into games, recreation, and friendship.

One study showed how Aquatic physiotherapy is considered a safe and effective tool in the treatment of knee OA because immersion in hot water decreases the joint overload and pain symptoms and improves functional capacity and quality of life. On the basis of these assumptions, the following hypothesis was formulated: Aquatic physical therapy programs contribute to the increase in the pain threshold, improved functional capacity, and improved quality of life in older adults with knee OA.

PRI started offering Aquatherapy classes over 5 years ago. Join us in our 92-degree salt-water pool. This is the safest possible low-impact therapy with world-class fitness results. Includes cardiovascular strengthening, core work, and stretching. If appropriate for patients, there are also running and jumping exercises. Bring your own towel and lock. Spacious locker room and post therapy shower space are also available.

For more ideas on how to keep your body healthy, contact our office at

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com