Orthopedic Conditions

Why Choose Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy offers a unique, science-backed environment that reduces joint stress, alleviates pain, and promotes healing. It provides a supportive and enjoyable setting for individuals with orthopedic conditions to exercise, recover from injuries, and improve overall well-being.

Osteoarthritis

Symptoms: joint stiffness, pain, and instability, reduced mobility, most prevlent in the knees and hips

Aquatic Benefits: The buoyancy of water reduces joint impact, making movement easier and less painful. This boosts confidence, encourages greater strength gains, and improves mobility and quality of life.

Fibromyalgia

Symptoms: chronic widespread pain and fatigue, difficulty sleeping

Aquatic Benefits: Warm water boosts circulation and calms the nervous system, reducing inflammation, easing movement, improving sleep, and enhancing daily function.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms: joint inflammation, pain, potential joint deformity, primarily affecting the hands, wrists, feet, greater incidence in women

Aquatic Benefits: Water's gentle resistance supports joint strength and flexibility, while the warmth and buoyancy ease pain. The group setting offers emotional support and helps reduce depressive symptoms.

Low Back Pain

Symptoms: persistent lower back pain affecting daily life and reducing participation in recreational activities

Aquatic Benefits: Water supports the spine for pain-free, low-impact movement, easing pain and fear of injury. It builds core strength, boosts confidence, and promotes a return to band-based activity with improved function.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Symptoms: shoulder pain, limited range of motion, post-op limitations

Aquatic Benefits: Water resistance and warmth support safe, early shoulder rehab by easing pain, reducing stiffness, and promoting gentle movement. This allows faster healing and improved shoulder function with less risk of injury.

ACL Reconstruction

Symptoms: knee instability, pain post-injury or surgery, commonly occurs in sports and high-impact activity

Aquatic Benefits: Water offers a safe, low-impact setting for early knee movement and proprioception training, reducing swelling, improving coordination, and supported healing for a low-risk return to activity.

Why Aquatic Therapy is Perfect for Flagstaff

High elevation can worsen joint pain and fatigue, aquatic therapy is the perfect solution

Ideal for older adults, hikers, skiers, and active individuals
Low-impact, year-round activity that fits the outdoor culture
NAU DPT’s aquatic exercise program makes it accessible and affordable