Our Rehabilitation Center, located in Cape Fear Valley Hospital, features a warm-water pool with a 47,000-gallon capacity that provides patients with exceptional pain relief, relaxation, support and strength-training opportunities not typically available on land.
Our Approach to Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy at Cape Fear Valley Health is a form of therapy in a pool or other aquatic environment.
- Water buoyancy, which acts in opposition to gravity, reduces stress on joints and muscles. Meaning that the weight we feel in water through our limbs and joints is drastically decreased.
- The warmth of the water in our pool can help promote blood flow, relax muscles, and can decrease pain.
Discover the transformative benefits of water therapy and take the first step towards a brighter, pain-free future today.
Aquatic therapy services are also available in conjunction with physical therapy/occupational therapy. Patients begin with one-on-one sessions and progress to group sessions.
To participate in Aquatic Therapy, you must obtain a doctor's note from your Primary Care Physician stating that you are cleared to participate. The note should also mention the relevant diagnoses. Additionally, you must undergo land and water evaluations with the Aquatic Therapist on staff.
Aquatic therapy fees:
- $40/month for group sessions
- $20/hr for individual sessions
Insurance is not accepted for these classes.
What to Expect With Aquatic Therapy
- Your land evaluation will help us learn who you are as a patient – what are your strong points, and what areas do you need to work on?
- Your aquatic evaluation will take place in our pool, so our staff can see how your body reacts to being in the pool. You will be asked to perform various basic tasks, to help us better understand what your needs are.
- Following your assessment, your Aquatic Therapist will present you with a personalized program plan, catered specifically to the goals you and your therapist set. Our staff is always ready to offer you more guidance, change your goals, or target specific concerns you may have throughout your time in our program.
Recreational Therapy Internship Opportunities
CFV offers recreational therapy internship opportunities in inpatient physical rehabilitation and outpatient aquatic therapy during Spring and Fall semesters. We will begin accepting students Fall 2024 (applications due March 1, 2024). For more information and to apply please see CFV Recreational Therapy Internship Manual.
For more information about recreational therapy, please call (910) 615-6066.
Types of Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Exercise Therapy
Aquatic exercise therapy utilizes the properties of water, such as buoyancy and resistance, to provide a low-impact, safe environment for rehabilitation and fitness. This type of therapy is especially beneficial for individuals with joint or muscle injuries, as well as those with conditions like arthritis, where weight-bearing exercises can be challenging.
Aquatic Gait Training
Aquatic gait training focuses on improving mobility and balance through walking and other movement exercises performed in a pool. The water's buoyancy and resistance help patients relearn proper gait patterns and build strength, ultimately enhancing their ability to ambulate safely on land.
Aquatic Strength Training
Aquatic strength training involves the use of specialized equipment, such as resistance bands and weighted devices, to challenge the muscles and improve overall strength. The water's resistance provides a unique and effective workout that can be tailored to the individual's needs and fitness level.
Aquatic Therapeutic Interventions
Aquatic therapeutic interventions encompass a wide range of techniques, including aquatic massage, aquatic stretching, and aquatic relaxation exercises. These approaches are designed to alleviate pain, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being for patients with various medical conditions.
