Knee Rehabilitation in the HydroWorx® Pool

Aquatic physical therapy at OSMI is under the highly-skilled service of our certified physical therapists with state-of-the-art equipment like our HydroWorx® Physical Therapy Pool and rehabilitation equipment.

HydroWorx® Aquatic Physical Therapy Pool and Rehabilitation Equipment

Hydrotherapy (water therapy) or Aquatic Physical Therapy  in OSMI’s new HydroWorx® pool therapy pool is in full swing! Our physical therapy team is using the pool to help patients with a range of injuries move through safe, effective, and painless rehabilitation exercises and get closer to returning to their favorite activities. We’re already finding the HydroWorx® pool especially beneficial for knee injuries.

Designed specifically for physical rehabilitation, the HydroWorx® pool includes an underwater treadmill, adjustable water level, and resistance therapy jets. Water provides an ideal environment for rehabilitation because it decreases bodyweight, thereby reducing impact on joints. Patients can build strength and flexibility and practice proper mechanics in a safe, low-impact environment. The water provides mild resistance and support through buoyancy.

One of our patients here at OSMI, Jordan, has been diagnosed with Osgood- Schlatter disease.  According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.aaos.org), this is an overuse injury that occurs in the knee area of growing adolescents. Young adolescents who participate in certain sports— including soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and distance running—are most at risk for Osgood-Schlatter disease.

In Jordan’s case, the condition has caused his right leg to be weaker than the left. He’s unable to tolerate squats and lunges on land, making it hard to strengthen his legs. He’s also unable to participate fully in sports.

Jordan has been able to perform squats and lunges, as well as jumping and hopping, in the HydroWorx® pool, where there is less impact on his knees. He is able to perform these exercises with the proper technique and strengthen his lower body without pain.

Here’s Jordan performing some exercises in the HydroWorx® pool: