Aquatic Therapy

Question 1

Thermal Agents: Aquatic Therapy - Indications

Answer 1

• Improve standing balance
• PWB ambulation
• Aerobic exercise
• Increase ROM
• Increase ms strength via active assistive, active or resistive exercise

Question 2

Thermal Agents: Aquatic Therapy - Contraindications

Answer 2

• Unprotected open wounds
• Unstable blood pressure
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Severe kidney disease - unable to adjust to fluid loss during immersion
• Severe epilepsy - IF NONCOMPLIANT/MEDS
• Severe cardiac disease
• Severe PVD
• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Water or airborne infections

Question 3

Thermal Agents: Aquatic Therapy - Precautions

Answer 3

• Open wounds and skin infections must be covered (venous insufficiency)
• Fear of water
• Inability to swim
• Heat intolerance
• Pts w/ advanced peripheral neuropathy w/ heat intolerance (MS) may fatigue w/ immersion in temps > 33 C - aquatic therapy is typically done in temps > 33C
• Waterproof dressings on small open wounds*

Question 4

Thermal Agents: Aquatic Therapy - Application

Answer 4

Water Temperature: 92-98 F Treatment time: varies