Note: This is a first-hand look and assessment of aquatic therapy by Rock Valley Physical Therapy Storyteller Johnny Marx. Marx is age 63, has had multiple surgeries and arthritis issues over the past 20 years.
The wind, crisp and unforgiving, pushed the morning rain across my face. My replaced left hip, twice-repaired right knee and surgically brought-back-to-life left wrist, were balky and uncooperative.
I struggle with the cold.
Before me, though, is an 11×15, 5,000-gallon, 82-90-degree therapy pool, located at Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Davenport, Iowa-based Northwest Clinic, one of two such options available for Rock Valley Physical Therapy patients.
The other, at the Moline, Illinois-based Valley View Clinic, is a 12×24, 8,000 gallon, twin depths of 3’8’’ and 4’ 6’’ pool. The Valley View clinic began offering aquatic therapy in November of 2021.
Both pools, manned by gifted and trained therapists, are unique, patient-first options offered by Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
From the moment I stepped into a warm swimming pool 20-plus years ago — post left hip arthroplasty — I have admired – and benefitted from – aquatic therapy.
Water works.
Aquatic therapy, or pool therapy, consists of an exercise program that is performed in the water using the physical properties of water to assist in patient-healing and exercise performance. It provides gentle but effective resistance along with uniform pressure and supportive buoyancy so individuals gain strength and endurance crucial for overall health.
The warm-water routine supports the body, provides gentle resistance and soothes sore muscles. Aquatic therapy is appropriate for all levels of fitness and offers stress reduction along with muscle relaxation.
It avoids joint strain and works for all ages. The Rock Valley pools are heated, feature safe, double-rail entry steps, camera and video screens to watch your workout as well as a soft, tartan safety edge and lift chairs. A Rock Valley therapist provides one-on-one, in-water treatment, to every aquatic therapy patient.
Aquatic therapy is great for:
- Chronic pain, including back pain, joint pain
- Car accident injuries
- Sports injury
- Muscle spasms
- Circulation issues
- Stroke recovery
- Neurological injury
- Arthritis (osteo or rheumatoid)
- Balance problems due to muscle weakness
My 40-minute water workout at Northwest, did nothing to change what I believe to be a tremendous therapeutic outlet.
Again, water works.
I was put through my aquatic paces by Kaitlyn Rosenstiel (PT, DPT, ATC), a knowledge-filled, patient-first therapist, who explained – with tremendous attention to detail – every step of the process. In a standard 40-minute session, I benefited from an underwater treadmill and a variety of water-resistance exercises specifically designed for those using aquatic therapy.
Rosenstiel and Caitlyn Mejia (PTA), had an answer to better my life with every question I asked. The Northwest pool, with water depths of 3 ½ feet and 5 feet, like the Valley View pool, is designed to accommodate varying heights of patients and water-comfort levels.
“It has to start with the patient being at ease with the surroundings,’’ Rosenstiel said, noting Jillian Cappaert (PT, DPT), also plays a vital role in the aquatic therapy success at Northwest.
The ever-patient Rosenstiel, received aquatic therapy training as part of her graduate studies work at The University of Nebraska Medical Center, but has benefited from a number of continuing education courses. Valley View Drive therapists Nettie Nice-Fogel (PTA); Maggie Jones (PT); Emiley Brand ( PT); Alyssa Patterson ( PT); and Tucker Reid (PT); have all received advanced aquatic therapy training.
“Some are more comfortable in water than others and you make sure all the patient’s needs are met,’’ added Rosenstiel. “ Being comfortable is important to the patient’s overall success. Some are tall enough to work at a 5-foot water level and some at the 3½-feet level. There are a number of resistance exercises we can put the patient through. It’s about one-on-one patient care and what’s best for them.’’
My warm-water workout – complete with camera and large TV screen – was above and beyond what I expected. I was able to watch every step I took on the treadmill and how my hips and knees handled the other water-resistance exercises. My gait (walking pattern) sometimes goes against all that I have been taught by the many Rock Valley therapists who have taken the time to better my life through the years. Seeing it up close – on the big screen – was a positive reminder of what I need to maintain proper gait.
My aquatic therapy experience was beneficial on so many fronts, especially for my state of mind. Aquatic therapy is relaxing, is for all ages, and eases all worries of a ground workout. I left with a smile on my face, a bounce in my step and grateful for a therapist like Rosenstiel willing to go above and beyond to better my life.
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller