Preston Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Physical Therapy (PRO PT) is proud to announce the opening of its new aquatic therapy facility November 14, 2005. The state of the art pool is equipped with therapy jets and an adjustable current for walking and swimming resistance.

The owners of PRO PT Teresa M. Reynolds, PT, MBA and Shanda R. McNew, MPT are extremely excited to offer this new service to the Preston county community. “We are proud to be able to bring such a beneficial therapy service to the area and look forward to our patient’s realizing water’s therapeutic benefits. We will be adding additional services in the aquatic facility in a few weeks to serve additional clients.”

Some conditions aquatic therapy will benefit include but are not limited to:
- Weakness/Pain
- Balance and Gait Deficits
- Joint Replacement
- Orthopedic Injuries
- Obesity
- Neurological Conditions
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Respiratory Problems
- Circulatory Problems
- Cardiac Problems/Diseases
- Range of Motion


Aquatic therapy provides numerous benefits to patients as it reinforces the abilities and tasks of land-based therapy to create a cohesive program. Aquatic therapy encourages:
- Decreased pain, stiffness, muscle spasm and muscle guarding
- Improved posture, balance and coordination
- Enhanced relaxation and freedom of movement for decreased muscle tone
- Increased circulation, range of motion, strength and endurance
- Better mobility through reduced joint strain
- Stronger morale and self-esteem with the increased opportunity to succeed
- Enhanced sensory feedback and body awareness
- Click HERE to see how the pool works

Hydrostatic pressure assists patients with deep breathing and improves circulation through force exerted on the body by the water. This pressure is especially helpful for pulmonary patients and for decreasing & controlling swelling.

Buoyancy in the pool makes aquatic exercise primarily non-weight bearing. PRO PT’s pool ranges from 39” à 48” in depth. Water resistance and additional exercise equipment are used to increase muscle strength in patients. Also, water buoyancy allows patients to work on walking, balance, and cardiopulmonary conditioning without a significant degree impact on lower extremity joints.

The temperature of the pool is kept at 92 to 94 degrees, a temperature that promotes reduced muscle and joint soreness according to the American Arthritis Association. The water is kept in constant circulation, which provides resistance that can help patients work on improving their balance or strength. SEE HOW THE POOL WORKS.

Increasing flexibility, muscle strength and balance are common goals of therapy patients. Oftentimes aquatic therapy serves as a stepping-stone for patients to move onto other, land-based therapies.

If you are interested in starting an aquatic therapy program, ask your physician if aquatic therapy would benefit you. If so, all you need is a referral (prescription) from your doctor. Most if not all insurances that cover physical therapy will cover aquatic therapy. Please call PRO PT at 329-3739 with any questions or to set up an appointment.