Aquatic Physical Therapy

*Can be a very effective form of exercise, physical activity, and rehabilitation treatment for many individuals with a wide variety of conditions.

The aquatic physical therapy program at DRES may be able to assist students with cerebral palsy, myelodysplasia, spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, visual impairments, or various other conditions.

Student volunteers work with a physical therapist to ensure that maximal comfort and safety are maintained and that the student has any level of support or assistance that they may need.

There is equipment available to assist with student transfers into the pool if necessary.

Benefits of aquatic physical therapy include but are certainly not limited to:

• using properties of the water to facilitate functional range of motion, strengthening, and progressive weightbearing.
• Using properties of the water to assist in cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, and musculoskeletal endurance.
• Allows the student to participate in activities that may not be possible on land due to the increased support that the water provides.
• The effects of water may decrease impact on joints, decrease muscle spasm, and assist with balance.

*Aquatic physical therapy through DRES takes place at the warm water pool at Campus Recreation Center East.

For additional information or to discuss if aquatic physical therapy may work for you, contact:

Marie Loth, PT, BSN
Disability Resources and Educational Services
Applied Health Sciences, Room 140, MC-574
1207 S. Oak Street
Champaign, IL 61820

(217) 722-1543
mloth@uiuc.edu