Author: Julie Moon, Physical Therapist

  • High Intensity Training for Arthritic Relief

    According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 33 percent of adults 65 and older suffer from osteoarthritis (OA). Mayo Clinic reports that OA is the most common form of arthritis, when protective cartilage wears down, creating “wear-and- tear” pain, discomfort and fatigue. Aquatic therapy is an effective treatment for OA, giving…

  • Taking the Pain Out of Physical Therapy

    The letters “p” and “t” for physical therapy should NOT be confused with “pain” and “torture.” Unfortunately, many people will share their horror stories of how painful their experiences were. The old-school approach of “no pain, no gain” has been scientifically disproven. Stretching a muscle until it hurts will not get good results. Pain is…

  • What Is Ai Chi?

    If starting a new exercise routine is part of your self-improvement plan this year, you may want to consider Ai Chi. Ai (meaning “love”) Chi (“breath/essence/ being”) is a graceful form of aquatic exercise that involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner using deep breathing and accompanied by relaxing music and…

  • Water Works Wonders for Back Pain

              Many will experience some kind of lower back pain at some point in their lives. If a back injury has short-circuited your daily activities or regular workout routine, aqua therapy might be a good alternative during the healing period. Water exercises for back pain are diverse and should be tailored…

  • Aquatic Therapy for Rotator Cuff Pain

    We have all heard the term “rotator cuff.” What is a rotator cuff? A group of four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor that connects the shoulder blade (scapula) to the arm bone (humerus). The rotator cuff tendons are key to a healthy functioning shoulder. They are subject to wear and tear or degeneration,…

  • Aquatic Solutions

    More than 50 million Americans suffer from debilitating joint pain, making day-to-day living a challenge. As a result, many people choose not to undergo land-based rehabilitation, which is often times very painful. But without treatment, further joint damage, increased pain and decreased function are all very real possibilities. Luckily, aquatic therapy offers another option. Aquatic…

  • Benefits of Cardiac Rehab

    Cardiac rehabilitation, as defined by the American Heart Association, is a medically supervised program to help patients who have sustained a heart attack, undergone heart surgery (bypass) or those with identified risk factors (coronary artery disease or angina). Cardiac rehab is used to stabilize, slow or even reverse the progression of cardiovascular disease, ultimately reducing…

  • Preventing Falls with Aquatic Exercises

    One-third of the population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually. Those who take a spill often develop a fear of falling. Fear gone unchecked may lead to limiting activities and loss of physical fitness, increasing risk of…

  • The Benefits of Aquatherapy

    Unlike “water aerobics,” aquatic therapy is a specialty of physical therapy performed in a warm-water pool to assist patients in healing. The effectiveness of an aquatic program rests largely on the physical properties of water, along with the skilled guidance of a qualified physical therapist. The water’s buoyancy removes the stress and pressure on muscles…

  • Choosing a Physical Therapist

    As the most vital member of your own health care team, it’s important for you to know how to choose the right physical therapist who can maximize your healthcare dollars. Tips for choosing a physical therapist: Freedom to Choose: You are not obligated to accept the therapist your physician recommends. Explore your options to ensure…