Frequently Asked Questions about Pool Therapy


What should I bring to my pool visits?

  • Bring a bathing suit and a towel.

  • You must wear pool shoes to and from the locker rooms and the pool. If you are diabetic, you should also wear them in the pool.

  • You may want to bring a shower cap to protect your hair.

  • Shampoo, soap, and lotion are optional for your shower after your treatment.

  • We have lockers available for you during the time of your appointment only. So you may want to bring a lock.

    • How long will my treatment last?

  • You will be in the pool about 45 minutes to 1 hour plus 15 minutes for ice. Ice is an important part of your treatment so please allow time. After you are showered and dressed, please return to the pool area for ice.

    • How long can I come for therapy?

  • Your doctor will determine if you are appropriate for land therapy. If appropriate, your physical therapist will transition you into a land-based program 1 time a week with a gradual progression to 2-3 times per week. Your therapist may schedule a land visit to instruct you in a home program with follow-up visits to progress this program. When scheduled for land, please dress comfortably for exercise and wear sneakers.

    • Will I do land therapy after the pool?

  • Typically, patients are seen for a total of 8-12 weeks of therapy. Our patient care coordinator will contact your insurance company to verify the number of approved physical therapy visits. If your MD and physical therapist determine the need for continued therapy, we will request additional visits directly from your insurance company. Financial questions or questions regarding insurance coverage should be directed to the Office Manager Jane Hasle.

  • As per Medicare guidelines, monthly re-evaluations are required for all Medicare patients. During the re-evaluation, your physical therapist will determine if your goals are being met and assess the need for further therapy. If your doctor feels you are appropriate for pool only, our goal is to teach you a program so you can continue your treatment independently. If your doctor feels you are appropriate for more land-based exercises, your physical therapist will progress you gradually into this program.

    • Will I see the same therapist?

  • The physical therapist that evaluates you will be your primary physical therapist. He/she will establish your goals and monitor your progress. Since our program is created around a team approach, you may see different therapists through the course of your therapy. Our staff makes every effort to allow you to see the same therapist for most of your visits. All of our therapists meet regularly to review each patient's plan of care and communicate with each other on a daily basis to ensure that you are receiving the highest quality of care.

    • Will I have increased pain during or after treatment?

  • We will make every effort to match your pain levels, symptoms, and current activity level to your treatment intensity and duration. Our goal is a pain-free treatment with, at most, a few hours of fatigue or increased soreness afterwards. We do not work through pain. It is important that you tell your therapist if an exercise is painful.

    • Will I have to swim?

  • No. You do not need to know how to swim to have a very effective treatment in the pool. Our patients work in a vertical position, rarely putting their face or head in the water.