Recovery from a brain injury can be a long and difficult process. There is substantial clinical evidence that expertly applied aquatic therapy improves recovery times and patient outcomes. Rehabilitation in an aquatic environment provides patients with a unique medium for neuromuscular formation and strengthening. The water’s buoyancy provides a greater range of motion, which is ideal for individuals who have restricted mobility due to weakness and paralysis. Increased neuromuscular and muscular strength occurs quicker as movements are performed with the buoyancy of the water and against the resistance of the water. This combination of buoyancy and resistance is very difficult to duplicate in any land-based therapy environment.The water's environment permits earlier detection of small neuromuscular movement and responses.                

     Spasticity is a common issue with neurological injury that can be exacerbated by cold. A warm water therapy setting minimizes spasticity, facilitates movement and increases patient comfort.

     Core strength and balance are key components of neurological restoration and functional ability. The increased viscosity and buoyancy of the water provides support in both the sitting and standing positions. Wave action can be utilized to challenge and strengthen core muscles and balance mechanisms. Off-balance falls are slowed due to the water resistance, which helps with protective response training. The patient’s fear of falling is decreased; thus, improving trial effort, which results in greater progress per session.

     Patients appreciate the opportunity to work in a safe and comfortable environment that provides an opportunity for increased and more rapid progress.