Location: Lancaster General Health Campus

In April 1999, Lancaster General Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation opened the first hospital-based aquatic therapy pool in Lancaster County. The pool, which is located at the Lancaster General Health Campus, 2100 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, couples the healing properties of water with state-of-the-art technology.

What Is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a series of exercises and activities designed to take advantage of the unique healing benefits of water. Because of the buoyancy it provides, water lessens the pressure on muscles and joints, assists with movement and reduces swelling caused by gravity. Without the pull of gravity working against them, patients can exercise more comfortably, increasing their levels of strength, tolerance, flexibility and endurance with less pain and muscle stress.

Who Benefits?

Aquatic therapy has been proven as an effective treatment and rehabilitation for those who have had or have:

• Decreased Conditioning
• Cognitive Impairments
• Head Injury
• Muscle Spasm
• Reduced Endurance
• Reduced Strength
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Amputation
• Arthritis
• Chronic Pain
• Decreased Coordination / Balance Deficits
• Knee, Hip, or Shoulder Replacement
• Orthopedic Trauma
• Pediatric Development Delays
• Stroke

The Hydroworx 2000 aquatic therapy pool is specially designed to enhance the patient’s rehabilitation and reinforce the healing effect that water has on the body. Although small in size the pool is large in capabilities which include:

• A floor that can be adjusted to different heights. This allows the patient to walk into the pool without the use of steps or a ladder. The floor can then be lowered to any depth up to 6 feet.
• An underwater treadmill that goes 0-8.5 mph. The treadmill is cushioned for low-impact and has excellent traction.
• Individualized treatment programs which are utilized by physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists.
• An underwater camera and monitor that allow the patient and therapist to easily see the patient’s performance.
• A cluster of therapy massage jets that provide massage and conditioning.
• Highly trained staff.
• The water is maintained at a temperature range of 86 to 90 degrees. This warmth promotes relaxation, range of motion, improved circulation, and an overall sense of comfort and well being.
• Convenient, easily accessible locker rooms to offer comfort and ease of use.

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation offers aquatic therapy on an outpatient basis. To participate you must obtain a referral from your doctor. You will then receive an evaluation by a therapist to determine your treatment plan of care.

Please call (717) 544-3103 today for more information or to have your questions answered. Be certain to check with your insurance carrier concerning applicable coverage.

The aquatic therapy pool serves as a complement to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation's existing services provided at Lancaster General Hospital, the Health Campus and Willow Lakes Health Center.

This Hydroworx 2000 pool was generously funded by the United Auxiliaries to the Lancaster General Hospital.