Senior Communities Incorporate Hydrotherapy for Health, Wellness, and a Competitive Edge

by Deborah C. Cox

Housing construction for the geriatric population is on the rise, with assisted living and memory care properties driving this robust trend. And while senior facilities typically include exercise rooms and areas for other recreational outlets, some forward-thinking facilities are installing hydrotherapy rooms both for its benefits and for a leg up on competition.

Buoyancy, warm water, and hydrostatic pressure are three characteristics of water that give therapists at senior living facilities the advantage to help residents progress faster through therapy. Exercises in water can be performed sooner than those same exercises on land. This is particularly important for seniors who, in addition to aches and pains of the natural aging process, may be recovering from a surgical procedure or degenerative issues, such as arthritis.

Water therapy helps people exercise as they heal. The buoyancy of water creates a non-weight-bearing environment. As a result, there is less stress on joints and muscles. This makes it easier for seniors to exercise and gain the confidence it takes to continue their therapy treatments. In addition, hydrostatic pressure supports muscles during exercise, thereby minimizing pain. Aquatic exercise makes it possible for seniors to stand longer, walk better and sit better in the water.

From back surgeries to progressive diseases and arthritic issues, water’s antigravitational attribute makes a big impact on recovery. When an individual is floating vertically and holding a flotation device without touching the bottom of the pool, it creates traction for the spine. This results in increased trunk/back movement, less pain, and helps physical therapists work effectively on core stabilization.

Aquatic therapy has proven results for those recovering from strokes. The natural buoyancy of water aids in balance protocols during rehabilitation. With oversight from physical or occupational therapists, a simple walk down the length of a pool can improve gait pattern. If the pool has a water current feature, therapists can use this to provide additional progressive therapy exercises and challenge.

Moreover, being in the water helps stroke patients overcome their fear of falling and builds confidence for being more surefooted when on land.

Since not all senior living communities are created equal, those with a specialized hydrotherapy pool and supporting staff can offer benefits that give them a competitive advantage in the senior housing market. Many hydrotherapy pools come equipped with a water current feature, resistance jets, deep wells, workstations, and treadmills. Having a hydrotherapy pool onsite eliminates the need to send residents off the premises, a benefit that helps improve the facility’s overall function and increase their return on investment.

Some of the common injuries and conditions successfully treated with hydrotherapy are:

Water therapy is good for range of motion, stretching, and strengthening of any knee or hip diagnoses. Compared to land sessions, water therapy effectively helps decrease soreness during and after physical therapy sessions. Exercises and activities that prove too painful or challenging on land can often be achieved in water.

Hydrotherapy for lumbar spine fusions, spine compression fractures, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, and degenerative issues such as spinal stenosis has proven merits. The advantages of aquatic therapy are many for those suffering from generalized chronic pain and inability to sleep. Aquatic therapy offers consistent pain relief and helps residents become more active, gain strength and endurance, and sleep better.

To sum it up, the benefits of hydrotherapy are wide ranging and include:

Hydrotherapy pools are an ideal tool to help seniors rehab faster and stay well longer. They also provide a great way for seniors to socialize and have fun — a win-win for both residents and the senior living communities where they live.