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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is aquatic physical therapy better than regular physical therapy?
Aquatic Therapy is not necessarily better than regular physical therapy, it is another method for delivering physical therapy treatment. Some people find treatment in water to be less painful, strenuous, and lessened risk of falling. Research has also proven that aquatic therapy can be beneficial for recovery and improved function for a variety of diagnoses that may have otherwise failed with traditional land therapy.
Q: Is an initial evaluation necessary?
Per the state of Missouri, and according to best practices, all clients must receive an initial evaluation by a licensed Physical Therapist prior to receiving therapy treatments. This evaluation allows the therapists to get to know you, your complaints, and your lifestyle. Also per the state of Missouri, you will need a brief re-evaluation every 30 days by the DPT. These evaluations are performed on land and are just as important, if not more important, than the treatments.
Q: How can aquatic therapy be beneficial for cervical or upper body pain? Is it only geared towards the lower body?
Aquatic therapy canbe beneficial for more than just the lower body. The special properties of the water allows the therapist to decrease the strain on upper extremities and the cervical and thoracic spines.
Q: Why do you not accept insurance? (Click here to read "Benefits of Self Pay")
Custom Aquatic Therapy does not accept third party payors in order to have the freedom to provide clients with the quality treatments they deserve, which can often be limited by an insurance company's policies. However, due to federal policy, we are not able to treat client's that are Medicare eligible. We are happy to provide those client's with recommendations to other clinics. Although we do not submit claims to insurance, we can provide you with a superbill to submit on your own to request reimbursement for visits.
Q: What should I wear?
Since your initial evaluation will be performed on land, comfortable clothing is appropriate. For aquatic visits, any comforable clothing that can get wet is appropriate: swimwear, t-shirts, shorts, etc. It is not necessary to wear water shoes in the pool, but if you do choose to wear some, please wear only dedicated water shoes. A swim cap is optional.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim?
It is not necessary to know how to swim in order to participate in aquatic therapy. The therapist will guide you through various activities within your level of comfort, which will mostly involve standing, kneeling, sitting, or supine with floatation devices.
Q: Will there be other people in the pool at the same time as me?
Treatments are provided at the Center of Clayton indoor pool. The pool is open to their members during hours of treatment. Your privacy is of the utmost importance and treatments will be provided away from classes or lap swimmers.
Q: What temperature is the water?
The pools at both locations are maintained at ~85 degrees.
Q: Is the pool chemically treated?
The pool is chemically treated with chlorine as required by the state of Missouri.
Q: Do I have to get my hair wet?
The therapist customizes all treatments and chooses activities and positioning that will provide the most therapeutic benefits. There is a chance the ends of your hair or back of your head will get wet. It is in your best interest to allow the therapist to provide the best treatments, even if it means your hair may get wet. That being said, the therapist will only provide treatments that are within your comfort level. You are welcome to wear a swim cap.