Is there a difference between aquatic therapy in a lap pool or deep water pool?
Lap pools are relatively shallow (approximately 3.5 to 4.5 feet deep) but offer a greater ability for patients to work on weight bearing and balance exercises during ambulation activity-walking, side-stepping, running, hopping, etc. Deep water pools offer greater ability to perform exercises while treading water or wearing a floatation device. This allows a greater amount of the body to be submerged below the water surface and provides greater resistance to upper body activity. However, most exercises can be completed in either setting with the use of aquatic equipment and modification or creativity. Is there a difference between aquatic exercises and therapeutic activities outside of the water? The water provides a place to try new activities, to improve ease of movement, to decrease muscle guarding and begin working on strength and balance. However, these activities need to be transitioned into a land-based exercise program to improve daily function. Aquatic therapy may be a good pla
