Aquatic therapy programs

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers aquatic therapy to both inpatients and outpatients, as well as a variety of exercise programs for individuals and groups.

Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water to help patients with a variety of medical conditions heal and enhance their performance.

Patients who may benefit are those with acute or chronic injuries or conditions such as arthritis, back and neck injuries, head injuries, chronic pain, stroke, spinal cord injury, joint replacement, orthopedic injuries and neurological disorders.

Benefits of aquatic therapy include:

• decreased swelling
• increased functional ability
• increased range of motion
• decreased pressure on joints
• treatment of multiple body parts
• improved cardiovascular endurance
• increased sensory input
• three-dimensional resistance with activity.

An aquatic therapy program may include:

• conditioning/endurance training
• trunk stabilization exercises
• upper/lower extremity strengthening exercises
• range of motion exercises and joint flexibility
• gait training
• training for return to sports activities.

After a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist, each patient receives an exercise program tailored to meet his/her individual goals and needs.

Therapists instruct and supervise participants until they demonstrate understanding of the exercises. Some patients may start their therapy in the pool, then progress to land-based therapy if recommended by their therapists as their tolerance to exercise increases.

After six to eight sessions, participants are discharged and are encouraged to continue their exercise program independently at a Sister Kenny aquatic therapy site or at their local health club.

General information

• Sister Kenny offers aquatic therapy at six sites in Minnesota. An aquatic therapy program is also offered through River Falls Area Hospital in Wisconsin.
• Participants should check with their insurance providers regarding coverage and co-payments for aquatic therapy.
• At all sites, a medical provider's order is needed for an appointment with the therapist. There will be an initial evaluation by the therapist in the clinic (not at the pool) before aquatic therapy begins.
• The therapist will inform the participant about the amenities available at the pool facility, such as lockers, locks and towels, whether the facility is wheelchair accessible or whether there is a wheelchair lift.
• At some pool sites, a lifeguard is on duty. At all sites, a therapist is in attendance with the participant.
• Those who need assistance before or after class may have an attendant accompany them to appointments.
• Some sites offer group sessions and open-swim sessions. Contact the specific site for further information and to schedule appointments.

Aquatic therapy sites