Aquatic therapy uses the natural resistance and buoyancy of water to help ease pain, reduce swelling and improve movement to support recovery.

As part of MU Health Care’s Mizzou Therapy Services, we offer aquatic therapy, a type of hydrotherapy performed in water. Our team can help ease pressure on your joints, reduce swelling and build strength and balance in a supportive environment. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain or living with a neurologic condition, the water environment can help you take the next step forward.

Our goal is to help you feel better, move better and regain independence through guided exercises at a pace that feels right for you.

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a physical therapy performed in water. When you’re standing waist-deep in the pool, the water supports about half of your body weight. That means less strain on your joints and easier movement.

In deeper water, your body bears even less weight — sometimes as little as 10%. Many patients describe it as giving their spine a “vacation.”

At MU Health Care, our team uses aquatic therapy as one part of a complete recovery plan. Your therapist will help you find movements that match your ability level and goals for long-term strength.

Our Approach to Aquatic Therapy

We focus on steady, supported progress.

Your therapy begins with easing pain and swelling. As your body heals, we gradually increase strength, balance and endurance. Every session is personalized and adjusted as you improve.

Sessions usually last about 40 minutes. Most patients visit once or twice a week and notice progress within six to 12 visits.

Our aquatic and land-based therapy teams work closely together, so your care stays connected. We collaborate closely with orthopaedic specialists, physical therapists and lymphedema experts to create a seamless recovery plan.

As you get stronger, we’ll help you transition safely to land-based exercise at home or at a local gym.

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Exercise in water offers a gentle and effective way to move when pain or stiffness limits your mobility. Working in the water helps your muscles relax and your joints move more easily. The water’s natural resistance provides strength training without added strain.

Aquatic therapy can help:

  • Reduce joint pain and stiffness
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Decrease swelling and inflammation
  • Increase strength and endurance
  • Improve posture and body awareness
  • Begin movement sooner after surgery or injury

The water’s gentle compression also helps move fluid through your system, reducing swelling and inflammation and improving circulation.

These benefits can be especially helpful for people managing lymphedema, joint pain or low back pain. Over time, aquatic therapy can make it easier to transition to land-based exercises or daily activities.

Who Can Benefit From Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy can help people of all ages move and recover more comfortably after injury, surgery or illness. Our therapists create treatment plans that match your age, ability and physical needs.

Adults may benefit from aquatic therapy when managing:

Our team adjusts each session to your comfort and ability. We focus on comfortable movement, gradual progress and long-term confidence in your body’s strength.

What to Expect with Aquatic Therapy

At your first visit, we’ll discuss your goals and create a plan before entering the pool. Once in the water, you’ll perform movements that focus on flexibility, strength, balance and relaxation.

Frequently asked questions about aquatic therapy:

  • Will my hair get wet? Only if you want it to.
  • Do I need to know how to swim? No swimming ability is required.
  • Can I wear my eyeglasses? Yes.
  • What if I’m afraid of water? Your therapist will be right beside you for safety and support.
  • What should I wear? A swimsuit, towel and slip-resistant pool shoes. Changing rooms and accessible showers are available.
  • How long after surgery can I do aquatic therapy? Your incision must be fully healed (typically 6-8 weeks).

After your session, you may feel mild muscle soreness or fatigue. This is normal as your body adjusts to new movements and buoyancy.

Our Aquatic Therapy Pools

MU Health Care offers aquatic therapy at three convenient locations in Jefferson City, Columbia and Mexico, MO. Each pool is designed to make movement in the water comfortable and effective:

  • Jefferson City: Warm water (88-90°F) to help relax muscles and reduce stiffness
  • Columbia (Forum) and Mexico: Slightly cooler (82-84°F) for endurance and strength training

All pools include:

  • Multiple depth options
  • Benches for seated exercises
  • Steps and lifts for easy entry and exit
  • Specialized chairs that lower safely into the water

Therapists stay close during each session and may use flotation devices or supports when needed for comfort and stability.

Why Choose MU Health Care for Aquatic Therapy

  • Certified aquatic therapy expertise: Our therapists are specially trained in advanced aquatic therapy, including aqua lymphatic therapy and relaxation-based water programs.
  • Collaborative rehabilitation care: We work with experts in orthopaedics, neurology, lymphedema and physical therapy to coordinate your treatment in and out of the water.
  • Convenient access to care: We offer aquatic therapy at three mid-Missouri locations, making it one of the few programs of its kind outside of major metro areas.
  • Accessible design: Each pool features various depths, easy entry options and warm temperatures to support your therapy goals.
  • Ongoing wellness support: After therapy, you can continue your program at MU Health Care’s Forum gym or other local facilities.

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