Picture of Wellness Center indoor pool
Aquatic Therapy at Lavaca Medical Center
Lavaca Medical Center in Hallettsville, Texas is home to a heated therapy pool that is beneficial for exercising all populations for improvement in walking, balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance for daily activities. The saline, 26′ x 40′, heated pool is kept at an optimal therapeutic temperature of 88-92º for exercise. The LMC Health and Wellness pool is available for all appropriate physical therapy patients, but is also accessible to the public with a monthly membership to the Health and Wellness Center.
Exercises done in water are considered low-impact. The unique properties of water that aid in movement are:
Buoyancy - allows for easier body movements and makes it easier to stand for longer period of time and move stiff joints.
Natural Resistance - increases muscle strength and allows for smooth, non-jerky movements.
Pressure of water on the body - increase the dynamics of blood pressure, which can help strengthen the heart and challenge the lungs. This can significantly benefit patients with conditions like venous stasis (a complication from poor circulation in the legs.
Warm Temperature - helps relax tense and constricted muscles, soothes aching joints, and allows a wider range of motion in affected areas.
Aquatic Therapy is appropriate to treat a variety of diagnoses. Common diagnoses which benefit from aquatic exercise are:
Arthritis
Injuries and disorders affecting muscles, bones, and joints
Chronic pain syndromes
Hip bursitis and replacements
Knee scopes and replacements
Post-surgical pain
Rehabilitation following stroke or brain injury
Patients with balance problems
Pregnancy
Post-mastectomy
Post-polio syndrome
Is Aquatic Exercise Right For Me?
Water provides a gentle way to exercise your joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Exercises that cause too much joint stress on land can be done in water. At Lavaca Medical Center, the therapists can help you perform the necessary strengthening exercises for your muscles to aid in protection of your joints. Common standing exercises such as step-ups, squats, leg kicks, and heel raises can all be performed in the water with improved comfort. Lowering your joint stress while in the water will help to lower your pain level while performing these exercises.
Do You Need To Know How To Swim To Benefit From Aquatic Therapy?
Not at all! Our pool is 26′ x 40′, equipped with a lift chair, handrails around the perimeter, and a large level walking area to perform all necessary exercises to improve your function. We have licensed therapists that can enter the pool with you and help with your balance, walking, and exercises.
Do You Need A Prescription For Aquatic Therapy?
Yes. Under the direction of a licensed therapist, you will need to obtain a prescription from your physician. The therapist will complete an evaluation and design a program around your individual goals and treatment needs. At Lavaca Medical Center we take Medicare, Medicaid, Workers' Compensation, and most private insurances. Call our office with any specific questions regarding physical or aquatic therapy benefits. (361) 798-9006.
How Do I Progress Out Of Pool Based Excersie?
Exercising in the pool is a great first step for initiating any exercise program. Our licensed therapists will design a program based on your rehabilitation goals and will work on transitioning you to higher level exercises in the pool, or graduating you to a land based program.
Our Therapy Department offers 30 days free access to the pool and gym once your treatment program is completed through therapy. Contac the Lavaca Health and Wellness Center for membership questions: (361) 798-3671, Extension 1472.
Come by for a tour of our therapy facility, and talk with one of our therapists to find out if aquatic therapy is right for you.
(361) 798-9006 | Lavaca Medical Center | 1400 North Texana | Hallettsville, TX 77964
