Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy performed in water to help people improve movement, reduce pain, and recover from injury or surgery. The natural buoyancy of water supports the body, reducing stress on joints and muscles while allowing safer, more comfortable movement. This makes it especially helpful for individuals with arthritis, joint pain, post-surgical limitations, neurological conditions, or balance issues.

In aquatic therapy, a trained therapist guides patients through specific exercises in a warm pool. The water’s resistance helps strengthen muscles, while the warmth promotes relaxation and improves circulation. At the same time, the reduced impact makes it easier to practice walking, stretching, and range-of-motion activities without fear of falling or worsening pain.

The goal of aquatic therapy is to restore mobility, increase strength, and build confidence in movement in a low-impact environment. It is often used as a stepping stone to land-based therapy, helping patients progress safely toward normal daily activities with less discomfort and greater stability.