Speare Memorial Hospital - Press Releases




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 536-1120

May 29 , 2007

SMH Offering Individualized Aquatic Physical Therapy Program

	PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- Speare Memorial Hospital´s Rehabilitation Services department is reintroducing its aquatic physical therapy program, and interested patients should call 603-238-2225 for more information. Most insurance companies will cover aquatic physical therapy, but a physician referral is required. For centuries, the medical profession has proclaimed the benefits of therapeutic pools. "The unique properties of the water and the fun atmosphere are among the many advantages of using the pool for rehabilitation," says SMH Physical Therapist Christine McLaughlin. "Aquatic physical therapy uses the properties of water to enhance exercise and create a safe environment for progressive rehabilitation."

McLaughlin explains, "The buoyancy of the water provides an unloading of the weight bearing joints of the spine, knee, and hips, which is helpful for those who can not tolerate exercising on land due to joint pain. Water also provides assistance and resistance while exercising so that one can ´loosen´ stiff joints and progress through various levels of activity while increasing strength. The temperature of water prompts muscle relaxation, facilitates stretching and generally reduces the sensation of pain.

Many orthopedic, neurologic, chronic pain and arthritic conditions can be treated effectively using the special properties of water due to the low-impact setting. Exercising in the water provides several benefits that exercise on land can not for people who have difficulty with weight bearing activities due to arthritis, recent fracture, sprains, or their weight. Water nearly eliminates the effects of gravity. As an added benefit, aquatic therapy also can help promote healing to the site of injury.

To begin aquatic therapy one of Speare Memorial Hospital´s physical therapists completes an evaluation, and with McLaughlin, designs a program of movement and exercise to meet the patient´s individual needs. Treatment sessions improve circulation, strength and endurance, balance and coordination; increase range of motion; decrease tissue swelling; protect joints during exercise, and reduce stress. As appropriate, the patient´s program can be advanced to a land-based program to assure complete recovery.

Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth and the communities of central New Hampshire for more than a century.

Michele Barney Hutchins Director of Community Relations Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 238-6468 mhutchins@spearehospital.com