University Hospitals Bedford Medical Center Rehabilitation Services launches new Aquatic Therapy Program

Bedford, Ohio – University Hospitals (UH) Bedford Medical Center, a campus of UH Regional Hospitals, has partnered with the Bedford Heights Community Center to offer a new aquatic physical therapy program to patients as an alternative to traditional “land” therapy.

UH Bedford Medical Center Rehabilitation Services now offers individualized aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, with a physical therapist in the Community Center’s warm-water pool. “The patient and our therapist work together in water heated to about 88 degrees,” says Brian Adams, MOT, OTR/L, Manager of Rehabilitation Services, UH Bedford Medical Center. “The temperature is conducive to muscle relaxation and pain reduction during therapy.”

Other benefits of aquatic therapy include buoyancy, with the water providing needed support when a patient's muscles and joints are not able to support much weight; increased resistance, which helps to improve a patient's strength and balance; and hydrostatic pressure, which increases circulation and helps reduce swelling in the lower extremities.

Due to pain or weakness following an illness or surgery, many patients who require rehabilitation are unable to participate in land therapy. “Aquatic therapy is often an effective alternative, and it can be utilized as a transition to traditional physical therapy,” says Adams. Common diagnoses that employ aquatic therapy include arthroscopic surgery, total joint replacement, obesity, severe arthritis, low back pain, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.

A prescription is required for aquatic therapy, and the initial evaluation takes place at UH Bedford Medical Center. “Typically, patients can begin their weekly aquatic therapy sessions at the Bedford Heights Community Center the week following their evaluations,” says Adams. “During the one-on-one sessions, which are available one morning and one afternoon per week, the physical therapist accompanies each patient in the water.” The therapy pool is easily accessible to any patient. It has stairs as well as a mechanical lift for those who need assistance entering the pool.

To schedule an aquatic therapy consultation at UH Bedford Medical Center, call Rehabilitation Services at 440-735-4748. The Bedford Heights Community Center is located at 5615 Perkins Road in Bedford Heights.