Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a highly effective, low-impact treatment that uses the natural properties of water to support healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility.
At Professional Therapy Services, Inc. (PTS), we provide state-of-the-art aquatic therapy designed to help individuals of all ages and ability levels get better—faster.Available at our Peoria and Pekin locations, aquatic therapy is one of the many personalized services we offer to help patients reach their recovery goals.
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy performed in a therapeutic pool under the guidance of a licensed therapist. It offers a comfortable, low-impact environment where patients can build strength, increase mobility, and reduce pain without overloading joints or muscles.
Aquatic therapy utilizes:
- Buoyancy: Reduces joint stress and supports body weight
- Resistance: Enhances strength-building without heavy impact
- Warm water: Relaxes muscles and improves circulation
Learn more about aquatic therapy’s unique benefits, our physical therapy programs, and how we tailor treatment to individual needs.
Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy?
One of the advantages of aquatic therapy is that it is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including those with chronic conditions, post-surgical needs, and mobility limitations. It’s beneficial for:
- Older adults seeking pain relief, improved balance, and fall prevention
- Post-surgical patients recovering from knee, hip, or back procedures
- Athletes who are healing from injuries while maintaining cardiovascular health
- Neurological patients with Parkinson’s disease, MS, or post-stroke deficits
Aquatic therapy makes movement easier, safer, and more effective, especially when land-based exercises are too complex or painful.
Conditions Treated with Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy can help treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as:
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis). The warm water and gentle resistance help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.
- Chronic joint and back pain. The buoyancy of the water reduces spinal compression, offering relief for individuals with herniated discs, sciatica, or general lower back discomfort.
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. The gentle movements in warm water help reduce pain and stiffness for those suffering from fibromyalgia.
- Balance and gait impairments or Neurological disorders (MS, Stroke, Parkinson’s). Water provides a safe environment for balance training, reducing the risk of falls.
Bonus: The soothing nature of water therapy can also reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Why Choose Aquatic Therapy at PTS?
At PTS, our aquatic therapy program is led by licensed therapists trained in water-based rehabilitation. We focus on 1:1 ethical care to ensure you get the personalized attention and support you deserve.
Our therapy pools feature:
- Warm, therapeutic water for comfort and pain relief
- Adjustable resistance jets for progressive training
- Gradual entry and handrails for safety and accessibility
Find our aquatic locations and hours for:
- Carle Health Methodist Outpatient Therapy at the Atrium (heated pool)
- Carle Health Pekin Outpatient Therapy
What to Expect in an Aquatic Therapy Session
Each session is tailored to your individual condition and goals. Common water-based exercises include:
- Water walking or jogging: Build strength without joint strain
- Leg lifts, kicks, and aqua squats: Improve lower-body function
- Upper body resistance exercises: Strengthen arms and shoulders
- Core-focused floating drills: Enhance stability and posture
- Balance and coordination movements: Reduce fall risk
A licensed therapist supervises every movement to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Schedule Your Free Evaluation Today
If you’re ready to explore the healing power of water, we’re prepared to help. Our expert therapists will determine whether aquatic therapy suits your condition.
Whether recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or seeking a gentler way to stay active, aquatic therapy at PTS offers a safe and proven path to recovery.
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Call us at 309-231-0676