Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is skilled physical therapy that takes place in a warm water pool. Marianjoy’s pool is heated to between 92 and 96 degrees, which makes exercising easier and more comfortable.
If needed, an accessible lift can be used to lower you into the water. Because of the warm water temperature and the resistance provided by the water, aquatic therapy can help you by:

Promoting muscle relaxation
Decreasing muscle spasms
Increasing ease of joint movement
Decreasing the forces of gravity to make walking easier and decrease stress on the joints
Increasing circulation and cardio-respiratory function
Increasing body/posture awareness and balance
Increasing confidence

Marianjoy’s physical or occupational therapists can work with you in the pool as part of your inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program. Our therapists will personally guide you through therapeutic exercises and activities specifically geared to your injury or condition.

You do not need to know how to swim to participate in aquatic therapy. There is no age limit; everyone from small children to senior citizens can take part in this therapeutic program.
A physician’s referral is required prior to participation. We can accept your doctor’s written referral, or you can schedule an appointment with one of the Marianjoy Medical Group physicians by calling 630-909-7000.

Aquatic therapy is available at:

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
For information, please call 630-909-8000

Community “Aquacise” Programs

Marianjoy offers two self-conditioning programs for adults who have been referred for a community pool program.
In order to participate, you must have attended at least one prescribed physical therapy session in the pool for instruction.

	Self Conditioning Fitness Pool	Aquacise Self Conditioning Program
Program Description	You’ll be supervised by a fitness instructor as you work at your own pace using an exercise routine previously created for you by a physical therapist. If you need help dressing, getting into the pool or while in the pool, you may bring an assistant with you. If needed, you will receive help entering/exiting the pool.	You’ll be supervised by members of our physical therapy department as you work at your own pace using an exercise routine created for you by a physical therapist. If needed, you will receive help entering and exiting the pool, as well as putting on floatation devices.
Schedule	Eight week sessions that meet twice weekly: Call for details	Eight week sessions that meet twice weekly: Call for details
Class size	Nine	Nine
Requirements	A physical therapy evaluation, instruction in appropriate exercise program, registration and a physician release form.	A physical therapy evaluation, instruction in appropriate exercise program, registration and a physician release form.
For more information	Contact Shirley White at 630-909-7150	Contact Shirley White at 630-909-7150

Aquatic Therapy Classes for Kids:

Pool classes are conducted by a Marianjoy physical or occupational therapist and are designed for children who have medical conditions requiring aquatic exercise. Children should have previous aquatic therapy experience and be ready to participate in a group setting. Note that some classes require the assistance of the child's caregiver while others are designed for children who are able to be independent in the water. For children not currently participating in a Marianjoy therapy program, a physical therapy evaluation is required. For all participants, a physician release form is necessary and must be updated annually in order to continue to participate in aquatic groups. For more information on Marianjoy's Pool Classes for Kids please call 630-909-7155.
Note: The classes listed below are community based self-pay groups. For information on Early Intervention Pool Groups, please call Melissa at 630-909-7155.

Mom and Tot Swim

This program provides parents and pre-school age children instruction in movement, play and swimming activities while enjoying the warm water in Marianjoy’s therapeutic pool. The activities are specifically designed for children with movement disabilities.

Registration and a physician’s release form are required. Fees are for an eight-week session. Classes are limited to eight children with caregivers and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to register, please call us at 630-909-6152.

After School in the Pool

School age children with movement disabilities will enjoy swimming and activities in this program offered in Marianjoy’s therapeutic pool. Swimming experience is not necessary.

Registration and a physician’s release form are required. Fees are for an eight-week session, which meets once per week. Classes are limited to eight children and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to register, please call us at 630-909-6152.