What is the typical temperature of a therapeutic pool, and what populations would benefit from a cooler temperature pool?
Answer
Typical temperature of a therapy pool would probably be anywhere between 89 to 94 maybe even 96 degrees. So that is your basic thermoneutral to warm water pool. A cooler temperature would be anywhere from 79 degrees to 85 degrees. So that would be more of your recreational pool. When we talk about individuals with MS in particular, they are going to really benefit from working out in a cooler temperature pool. If you work them out in a warm body of water, they tend to be done for the rest of the day. Energy wise, they are completely depleted. You might even see that depletion carry on into a 48 hour time period.
Fibromyalgia patients definitely do better in warmer water. I highly recommend not going below 90 degrees with individuals with Fibromyalgia or any chronic pain condition in general, because it is going to elicit a greater relaxation effect. That is going to assist in you doing anything you want in that therapy time. So, definitely go to a warmer pool with this population.
Lori Sherlock, MS, ATRIC, AEA Fitness Specialist, CSCS
Lori A. Sherlock is an assistant professor in the School of Medicine at West Virginia University. She coordinates and teaches the aquatic therapy curriculum within the division of Exercise Physiology and is proud to state that it is the only one like it in the nation. Lori is an Aquatic Exercise Association trainer and a member of the Aquatic Exercise Association’s Research Committee. She contributes often to the AKWA magazine and has a great interest in furthering the field of aquatics through research. Lori has also presented for the APTA, NSCA, International Aquatic Fitness Conference as well as the World Aquatic Health Conference.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/what-doctor-never-told-you-3601What the Doctor Never Told You About Osteoporosis and AquaticsWhile Osteoporosis has been categorized as a predominantly older woman’s condition, the fact that it is the cause of 2 million fractures a year, makes it a serious health concern. Typically, the concept of weight-bearing exercise does not lend itself to aquatic interventions, but the current literature is compelling for the use of water as a beneficial alternative for the osteoporosis individual. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
While Osteoporosis has been categorized as a predominantly older woman’s condition, the fact that it is the cause of 2 million fractures a year, makes it a serious health concern. Typically, the concept of weight-bearing exercise does not lend itself to aquatic interventions, but the current literature is compelling for the use of water as a beneficial alternative for the osteoporosis individual. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/introduction-to-aquatic-therapy-back-3614Introduction to Aquatic Therapy-Back to BasicsThis course will link the therapeutic benefits with the unique properties of water allowing the participant to recognize patients who would most benefit from aquatic therapeutic interventions. This course is intended for the therapist new to aquatic therapy or therapists who refer to aquatic therapy programs and want an improved understanding of the therapeutic value of adding aquatic therapy into a patient’s rehabilitation program. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
This course will link the therapeutic benefits with the unique properties of water allowing the participant to recognize patients who would most benefit from aquatic therapeutic interventions. This course is intended for the therapist new to aquatic therapy or therapists who refer to aquatic therapy programs and want an improved understanding of the therapeutic value of adding aquatic therapy into a patient’s rehabilitation program. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/decreasing-fall-risk-with-aquatic-3374Decreasing Fall Risk with Aquatic Therapeutic InterventionsThis course will focus on integrating specific aquatic interventions to improve balance and decrease the risk of falling based to maximize the patient’s plan of care. Utilizing research findings and clinical pearls we will link balance tests and impairments to specific interventions for aquatic exercise and integrated home program. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual
This course will focus on integrating specific aquatic interventions to improve balance and decrease the risk of falling based to maximize the patient’s plan of care. Utilizing research findings and clinical pearls we will link balance tests and impairments to specific interventions for aquatic exercise and integrated home program. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/aquatic-lumbar-stabilization-progressions-3121Aquatic Lumbar Stabilization ProgressionsBy presenting latest research respect to spine stabilization and aquatic therapy for individuals with lumbar spine dysfunction, this course aims to assist the clinician in utilizing the unique properties of water to improve their patient’s outcomes. Clinical applications discussed include; aquatic exercise progressions to reduce pain and improve function. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.auditory, textual, visual
By presenting latest research respect to spine stabilization and aquatic therapy for individuals with lumbar spine dysfunction, this course aims to assist the clinician in utilizing the unique properties of water to improve their patient’s outcomes. Clinical applications discussed include; aquatic exercise progressions to reduce pain and improve function. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/aquatic-interventions-for-upper-quadrant-3635Aquatic Interventions for the Upper QuadrantThis course will examine the functional connections between components of the upper quadrant, discuss common diagnoses, review indications, precautions and contraindications for specific diagnoses as they relate to aquatic therapy. Clinical pearls, current evidence and aquatic progressions for the upper quadrant will be presented through research review, case studies, and video examples. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.auditory, textual, visual
This course will examine the functional connections between components of the upper quadrant, discuss common diagnoses, review indications, precautions and contraindications for specific diagnoses as they relate to aquatic therapy. Clinical pearls, current evidence and aquatic progressions for the upper quadrant will be presented through research review, case studies, and video examples. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and athletic training and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA and AT.
