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Aquatic rehab: using simple Buoyant Tools
By Wendy L. Morine, PTA, ATRIC, CI
using buoyant equipment in the
aquatic setting is very important
when it comes to progressing a
patient within the pool, and also
to help achieve the seamless transition to land.
the buoyant dumbbell is probably the most
useful piece of equipment as it can be used to
target the core (rectus abdominis and obliques),
deltoids, latissimus dorsi, triceps, pectorals and
more. I use them primarily for back patients
for pre-surgical strengthening or post-surgical
rehab. simple exercises such as an anterior press
(short-lever arm), chest press (long-lever arm),
lateral press (either short- or long-lever arms),
butterfly (long-lever arm) and rows can be used
for shoulder/back rehab or core strengthening.
to progress from the dumbbell for a more
challenging workout, a simple 12-inch beach ball
is what I use in the anterior press, lateral press
and chest press. to add the PNF patterns to the
mix, take the beach ball and make a diagonal
pattern starting at the opposite shoulder, push
through the water to the hip, then slowly and
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with control bring it back up to the surface.
A boogie board is a great tool to use for progression
of the rows in the horizontal position,
pushing and pulling it. It is also used for the
upper body as well as core progression in the
horizontal position in a rotational movement
while keeping it under the water. the board
can be used to rehab the rotator cuff in the early
stages for RoM, resting the hands and going
into the transverse and frontal planes, then
progressing to the buoyant dumbbells. Pediatric
patients love to swim behind it for core
and lower-extremity strengthening and RoM.
Buoyant ankle cuffs are great to use for
AquaStretch, watsu® and Bad Ragaz techniques
to take stress off of the patient. These
buoyant cuffs can also be adapted to be used
on the upper-arm area to assist for those with
arm or shoulder weakness, following shoulder
surgery or simply for assisted flotation.
the buoyant belt is used mostly for the deep
water; however, I use it for patients who have
limited weight-bearing status. this makes it
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[AquAtIC tHERAPY]
possible for them to get into an environment
that is conducive to their diagnosis and do some
walking. I have also used them on a patient who
was in training for an Ironman race, sustained
a stress fracture of the femur and was deemed
non-weight bearing. she got permission to come
into the pool and water jog with the buoyant
belt, and was able to complete the race.
Probably the most unique buoyant equipment
I use is for my pediatric population. I have
a basketball hoop as well as floating frogs and
ducks. the kids love when I make them swim
and collect the frogs and ducks, and they play
basketball for shoulder RoM and hand-eye coordination.
Pool equipment does not have to be
expensive. I discharge patients with an exercise
program that I want them to continue. so if they
cannot afford the same equipment as we have,
I make suggestions, since I want them to have
positive outcomes. n
Wendy Morine is owner of Spooner Physical Therapy
in Scottsdale, AZ.
ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine
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