Joint pain can be a significant impediment to daily life, impacting over 54 million individuals in America alone. Many suffer in silence, delaying diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to worsening conditions and reduced mobility. At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we understand the challenges of musculoskeletal discomfort and are proud to offer cutting-edge Aquatic Care Programs designed to restore strength, agility, and flexibility.
Aquatic therapy, a cornerstone of our comprehensive rehabilitation services, is a scientifically-backed approach to physical therapy conducted in a specialized aquatic environment. Our programs are expertly guided by certified physical therapists and provide a gentle yet powerful method to alleviate symptoms associated with various orthopedic conditions and enhance overall coordination. For those seeking a non-invasive path to recovery and improved well-being, our aquatic therapy programs offer an innovative solution.
Is Aquatic Therapy Right for You? Exploring Candidacy for Aquatic Care Programs
Our aquatic care programs are thoughtfully designed to benefit individuals experiencing a range of symptoms. You may be an ideal candidate for aquatic therapy if you are currently struggling with:
- Persistent joint stiffness and pain
- Limitations in your range of motion and mobility
- Aches that intensify with movement or specific postures
- Visible redness and swelling around joints
- Noticeable warmth and tenderness to the touch in affected joints
- General fatigue and reduced energy levels
Our programs are particularly beneficial for aging adults who may find traditional exercise regimens overwhelming. The inherent properties of water allow for gentle, low-impact movements that are highly effective in restoring function and reducing pain without causing undue fatigue.
The non-invasive nature of aquatic care programs makes them an excellent choice for older adults seeking to regain mobility and strength without the risks associated with surgery. Furthermore, aquatic therapy is a valuable tool in post-operative rehabilitation, supporting patients recovering from procedures such as arthroscopy, joint resurfacing, osteotomy, or arthroplasty.
Alt text: Dr. Omkar Dave, experienced orthopedic surgeon at Houston Physicians’ Hospital, specializing in aquatic care programs for joint pain relief and mobility improvement.
Our Personalized Approach to Aquatic Therapy and Care
At Houston Physicians’ Hospital, we believe in a patient-centric approach to healthcare. Our journey begins with a thorough evaluation by our team of specialized physicians and therapists who carefully assess each patient’s unique symptoms and medical history. This comprehensive assessment allows us to develop the most effective treatment strategy, which may include aquatic care programs in conjunction with medication or other therapies.
Each aquatic care program session is supervised by our team of certified physical therapists who possess extensive expertise in aquatic rehabilitation techniques. We utilize state-of-the-art orthotic and assistive devices within our aquatic facilities to ensure patient safety and maximize therapeutic benefits. These tools help patients alleviate musculoskeletal tension and refine body mechanics in a supportive environment.
Our physical therapists are skilled in a variety of advanced aquatic therapy methods, tailoring each session to the individual’s needs. Techniques incorporated into our aquatic care programs include:
- Watsu: Gentle, flowing movements in warm water to promote relaxation and pain relief.
- Ai Chi: Water-based exercise combining deep breathing and slow, broad movements to enhance balance and coordination.
- Burdenko Method: An approach integrating land and water exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Aqua Running: Utilizing the buoyancy of water for low-impact cardiovascular workouts.
- Halliwick Concept: Focuses on teaching independent movement in water for individuals with disabilities.
- Bad Ragaz Ring Method: Utilizes rings for support and resistance to facilitate muscle strengthening and mobilization.
To further enhance the therapeutic experience, we employ a diverse range of specialized equipment and accessories within our aquatic care programs, such as:
- Resistance bands and tubing to increase exercise intensity.
- Pool buoys for buoyancy assistance and targeted muscle engagement.
- Weight-adjustable barbells designed for aquatic use to build strength.
- Kickboards to isolate lower body workouts and improve leg strength.
- Swim belts for support and proper body positioning in the water.
- Ankle weights to enhance lower body resistance training.
- Stationary bicycles adapted for aquatic environments for cardiovascular conditioning.
- Flotation rings for support and stability during exercises.
- Hand bars for balance and assistance with movements.
- Exercise noodles for buoyancy and gentle resistance.
Alt text: Dr. Keith Schauder, leading orthopedic surgeon at Houston Physicians’ Hospital, emphasizing the benefits of aquatic care programs for post-surgery rehabilitation.
Unlocking the Benefits of Aquatic Care Programs at Houston Physicians’ Hospital
Our aquatic care programs harness the natural buoyancy of water to reduce gravitational impact on joints. This allows patients to experience the advantages of land-based physical exercise with significantly less stress on bones, joints, tendons, and muscles. The therapeutic pools at Houston Physicians’ Hospital are meticulously maintained with optimal water balance to minimize sensitivity and joint stress, while simultaneously promoting musculoskeletal strength development.
Patients participating in our aquatic care programs can expect to experience a wide array of benefits, including:
- Improved flexibility, range of motion, agility, and overall strength
- Reduction in swelling and inflammation in affected areas
- Significant relief from joint pain, including pain in knees, elbows, hips, shoulders, and ankles
- Enhanced muscle strength and relaxation, reducing muscle tension
- Minimized pressure and stress on joints during exercise
- Effective gait training and improved walking patterns
- Alleviation of pregnancy-related musculoskeletal discomfort
- Accelerated recovery following total joint replacement surgeries
- Enhanced balance, coordination, and improved posture
- Decreased pain sensitivity and improved pain management
Conditions Effectively Treated with Aquatic Care Programs
Aquatic care programs are a versatile and effective treatment modality for a wide spectrum of conditions. Houston Physicians’ Hospital utilizes aquatic therapy to help patients manage and recover from:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Cerebral palsy
- Sprains and strains
- Scoliosis
- Osteoporosis
- Post-arthroscopic surgery recovery
- Lower back pain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Recovery following joint replacement or reconstruction surgery
- Sports-related injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendonitis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Traumatic brain injuries
Our saltwater aquatic therapy pools are maintained at a comfortable temperature range of 82–92 degrees Fahrenheit. This ideal temperature promotes muscle relaxation, enhances body adaptability, and facilitates fluid musculoskeletal movement and coordination. We are committed to providing attentive care and guidance, ensuring each patient feels comfortable and confident while engaging in their prescribed exercises.
Our individualized aquatic care programs ensure that every patient receives personalized support and attention throughout their therapy journey. Whether you are recovering from surgery, find land-based exercise too painful, or are seeking relief from debilitating joint pain, aquatic therapy at Houston Physicians’ Hospital offers a powerful pathway to restored mobility and improved quality of life.
If you and your physician are exploring aquatic care programs as a potential treatment option, we encourage you to contact our physical therapy offices. Let’s discuss our comprehensive approach and customized treatment plans. Our aquatic care programs are readily accessible to patients throughout Southeast Texas, including South Houston, Galveston, Clear Lake, League City, and Webster.
FIND A DOCTOR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
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[
Andrew S. Metz, D.O.
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/andrew-s-metz/)
[
Donald R. Metz, D.O.
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[
Karan Bhalla, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I., R.V.P.I.
Cardiology
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[
Benjamin Metz, D.O., F.A.C.C.
Cardiology
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[
Kaushal Patel, M.D.
Cardiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/kaushal-patel/)
[
Angela Shiue, M.D., R.P.VI.
Cardiology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/angela-shiue/)
[
Rohit Bhuriya, M.D.,
Cardiology / Interventional Cardiologist
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/rohit-bhuriya-m-d/)
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Ghyath Samman, M.D.
Cardiology / Interventional Cardiologist
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Jose Cuellar Silva, M.D.
Cardiology/ Electrophysiology
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Harsha V. Ganga, M.D.
Cardiology/ Electrophysiology
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Sezen Altug, M.D.
Gastroenterology
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Syef Jafri, M.D.
Gastroenterology
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Zeid Karadsheh, M.D.
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Ravi Mani, M.D.
Gastroenterology
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Maamoun Harmouch, M.D.
General Surgery
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Michele Blackwell, M.D., FACOG,
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Jihad Harmouche,
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Carolyn Kenney, D.O.
Gynecology
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Bassem Maximos, M.D.
Gynecology
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Michael Baracy Jr., M.D.
Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
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James G. Bonnen, M.D.
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Allison M. Rathmann, D.O.
Neurosurgery
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Jeremy C. Wang, M.D.
Neurosurgery
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Jacob Weinberg, M.D.
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Karthik Jonna, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery/Joint
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Caleb Jones,
Orthopedics
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Andre Michael Samuel, M.D.
Orthopedics
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Kelly Stephenson, M.D.
Orthopedics
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Yevgeny Shuhatovich, D.O., FACS
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Joseph C. Allen Jr., M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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Marilyn Copeland, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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Omkar Dave, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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F. Jay Hoffman, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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Anthony S. Melillo, M.D.
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Daniel B. O’Neill, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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Keith Schauder, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/keith-schauder/)
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Terry A. Siller, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/terry-a-siller/)
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Laura Torres-Barré, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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David G Vanderweide, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine
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Jesus Juarez, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle
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Baher Maximos, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Hand
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/baher-maximos/)
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Lauren Hinojosa, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Hand
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Cristin John Mathew, D.O
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Hip and Knee
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M. Shaun Holt, M.D.
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Kim J. Garges, M.D.
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Thomas L. Jones II, M.D.
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Ray E. Santos, M.D.
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Spine
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Michael Castillo, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
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Robert Darling, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
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James C. Grant, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
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Tu-Anh Ha,
Otolaryngology (ENT)
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Deborah W Miller, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/deborah-w-miller/)
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Chester Strunk Jr., M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/chester-strunk-jr/)
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Christopher Tran, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/christopher-tran/)
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Caroline Yoon, M.D.
Otolaryngology (ENT)
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S. Jeffrey Cannella, M.D.
Pain Medicine
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Albert Carey, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/albert-carey/)
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Eduardo A. Garcia, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/eduardo-a-garcia/)
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Omer Munshi, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/omer-munshi/)
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Sunil Thomas, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-sunil-thomas/)
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Joseph Toothaker-Alvarez, M.D.
Pain Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/joseph-toothaker-alvarez/)
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Evan A Bridges, DPM, D. ABFAS, D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-evan-a-bridges/)
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Bernabe B. Canlas, DPM
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/bernabe-b-canlas/)
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Jeanna Mascorro, DPM
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/jeanna-mascorro/)
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Viraj Rathnayake, D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/viraj-rathnayake/)
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Sean Reyhani, DPM
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/sean-reyhani/)
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Matthew Rockett, D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/matthew-rockett/)
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Douglas Webb Jr., D.P.M.
Podiatry
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/douglas-webb-jr/)
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Matthew Higgs, M.D.
Sports Medicine
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/matthew-higgs/)
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Raghu Athre, M.D.
Surgery, Plastic and Reconstruction
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/raghu-athre/)
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Melissa Hu,
Surgery, Plastic and Reconstruction
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Shitel Patel, M.D.
Surgery, Plastic and Reconstruction
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Danny Mounir, M.D., FACOG
Urogynecology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-danny-mounir/)
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Tamer Dafashy, M.D. , M.S.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/tamer-dafashy/)
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Douglas Dow, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/douglas-dow/)
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Jeromy Hackney, M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/dr-jeromy-hackney/)
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Matthew D. Hoggatt, M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/matthew-d-hoggatt/)
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Thanh A. Nguyen, M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/thanh-a-nguyen/)
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Henry R. Wagner Jr., M.D.
Urology
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/henry-r-wagner-jr/)
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Nathaniel L. Barnes, M.D.
Urology, Infertility
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/nathaniel-l-barnes/)
[
Z. Faisal Cheema, MD, PhD, FACS, RPVI
Vascular Surgery
](https://www.houstonphysicianshospital.com/wtsphysicians/z-faisal-cheema/)
