By: Stetson Schmitt, PT, DPT, OCS
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic recently initiated a collaboration with the Bethany YMCA, introducing a grouandbreaking aquatic therapy program tailored for physical therapy patients.
“I recognized a unique opportunity to expand our services and provide a novel experience for our patients,” said Jade Cruzan, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Physical Therapist Assistant. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s truly rewarding to witness the impact on our patients’ well-being.”
Aquatic therapy, a specialized form of rehabilitation and exercise conducted in water, has garnered widespread acclaim for its profound effects on both physical and mental health. By leveraging the buoyancy and resistance of water, this therapeutic modality offers a multitude of advantages suitable for a diverse spectrum of individuals, ranging from athletes recovering from injuries to those seeking gentle, yet effective exercise alternatives.
The key benefits encompass:
- Gentle Healing with Low Impact:
Aquatic therapy presents a low-impact healing environment, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with orthopedic conditions, arthritis, or those recuperating from surgeries. The buoyancy of water minimizes stress on joints, facilitating a gentle path to recovery. - Optimized Range of Motion:
The resistance inherent in water aids in muscle strengthening and promotes improved joint flexibility. Individuals undergoing aquatic therapy often experience enhanced range of motion, crucial for those rehabilitating from injuries or surgeries. - Cardiovascular Boost:
Beyond its focus on musculoskeletal health, aquatic therapy contributes to cardiovascular fitness. The resistance offered by water prompts the heart to work efficiently, fostering improved circulation and overall cardiovascular well-being. - Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
The aquatic environment provides a serene setting, fostering stress reduction and relaxation. This unique feature of aquatic therapy positively impacts mental health, offering patients a holistic and calming experience. - Accelerated Recovery:
Athletes and individuals recovering from injuries benefit from the accelerated recovery facilitated by aquatic therapy. The reduced impact on injured areas allows for a quicker healing process while maintaining essential muscle strength and endurance.
Aquatic therapy is a special way of doing exercises that are gentle and can make you stronger and happier. Whether you’re getting better from an injury, dealing with a long-term health issue, or just want to feel good, aquatic therapy can really help. At Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, we’re always working hard to utilize innovative and exciting ways to help our Native community live healthier lives.