Melvin Bauman (The Arbor) experienced remarkable benefits following a series of aqua therapy treatments in the Shell Point Rehabilitation Center with Program Director Christine Gulotta.
The Amazing Benefits of Aqua Therapy B
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When Melvin Bauman (Oakmont) was admitted to the Larsen Pavilion in October 2013, his recovery, as he recalled, “started off choppy.” Suffering from a very painful bulging disk, a spinal fracture, arthritis, and spinal stenosis, he found his first few weeks in therapy very challenging. After several visits with area surgeons and pain management specialists, he was told that another surgery was not recommended. At the suggestion of Christine Gulotta, program director of the Rehab Center, Mel agreed to try aqua therapy. Christine explained, “Aquatic therapy is beneficial for almost everyone and for almost any diagnosis or disease process. The principles of water help achieve functional mobility and reduce pain.” The aqua therapy treatment started slow 26
Shell Point Life | June 2014
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for Mel. Christine shared, “We started using the lift to get him into our pool. During his first pool treatment he could barely tolerate touching his feet to the floor in chest deep water due to pain.” However, as the weeks progressed, Mel found himself “getting stronger”and noticed that he “was able to get around a better.” The gradual improvement Mel experienced over time was directly related to the benefits of the aqua therapy treatment, as the warm water facilitated muscle relaxation and helped increase circulation. The viscosity of the water also provided resistance for strength training. After about four weeks in the pool, the progress was impressive. Christine said,
“Before he was discharged to return home, Mr. Bauman was able to walk down to the pool in therapy, walk into the pool, walk on the aquatic treadmill, and perform a variety of strength and balance exercises while waist deep in the water.” Mel’s progress was evident outside of the water as well. “I got to a point where I could walk back and forth to my room with less pain." Yet, although the physical improvements were remarkable, one of the biggest changes Mel noticed was the impact aqua therapy had on his overall outlook. “I didn’t feel like I was an invalid anymore.” Following the aqua therapy routine, Mel’s pain management doctor found that his spinal images showed less inflammation. Mel is a true success story, showing how perseverance pays off! If you think that you, or someone you know, could benefit from aqua therapy, consider discussing the advantages of waterbased treatment with your physician. Referrals are required to access therapy services at Shell Point.