Movement should feel good, and with the right environment, it can. Whether you’re looking to improve flexibility, regain strength, or simply enjoy pain-free movement again, aquatic therapy offers a powerful path forward. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Fargo, we offer aquatic therapy designed to support healing through gentle, low-impact exercise in warm water. It’s an ideal solution for those managing chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or past injuries, helping you move better, feel stronger, and live more fully.
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy (also called water therapy or pool-based physical therapy) is a form of rehab performed in a warm-water environment. Using the natural properties of water (buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure), aquatic therapy allows patients to move more freely and comfortably than they often can on land.
At Bodyworks, our advanced Hydroworx 350 unit creates a safe, supported environment with an underwater treadmill and ground-level access, no ladders or steps required.
How Aquatic Therapy Relieves Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is complex, often involving not just physical discomfort but emotional stress, reduced mobility, and fear of movement. Aquatic therapy addresses all of these challenges in a way that’s both safe and empowering.
Less Pressure on Painful Joints
Water supports your body weight, reducing stress on your joints, spine, and soft tissues. This makes it easier (and less painful) to move, especially for people with arthritis, joint degeneration, or old injuries.
Warm Water Soothes and Relaxes
Our Hydroworx unit uses warm water to help relax muscles, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. This can be especially beneficial for conditions like fibromyalgia, where gentle warmth reduces sensitivity and tension.
Improved Range of Motion Without Fear of Falling
Many chronic pain sufferers develop stiffness or compensatory movement patterns. In the pool, you can safely stretch and strengthen muscles without the fear of falling or jarring impact, boosting your confidence along the way.
Built-in Resistance for Safe Strengthening
Water naturally provides resistance in every direction, which means you can strengthen muscles and improve endurance without using weights. It’s ideal for people who can’t tolerate traditional gym workouts due to pain or fatigue.
Who Can Benefit From Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is especially helpful for those dealing with:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic low back or neck pain
- Joint injuries or post-surgical pain
- Chronic fatigue or muscle stiffness
- Old sports injuries that never fully healed
- Pain that worsens with traditional exercise
How to Prepare for Your Aquatic Therapy Visit
To make the most of your session, here’s how you can prepare:
- Arrive 10 minutes early
- Shower or rinse off before your appointment. No lotions, perfumes, or body oils, please.
- Wear appropriate attire such as swimsuits, swim shorts, dry-fit tops, or running shorts. Avoid cotton materials.
- Restroom access will be offered before your session begins.
- Bring a change of clothes for after your session. We’ll provide you with a towel to dry off.
- The aquatic therapy unit uses bromine, which is gentler on the skin than chlorine, but we still recommend rinsing off at home after your session.
Ready to Try Something That Works With Your Body?
If chronic pain has kept you sidelined, it’s time to try a different approach. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we believe in meeting your body where it’s at and helping you move forward.
Request an appointment today to learn more about our aquatic therapy program and how it can help you feel better, stronger, and more in control of your health.