Chronic pain patient is walking again after aquatic therapy

“I usually had to work three jobs to make ends meet. I always worked hard physically, which came at a cost.”

Back problems and chronic pain led to this patient being bedridden just one year ago, and while she doesn’t wish to be named, she still wants to share her story about how the Rehabilitation team in Bloomington got her back on her feet.

As a teacher and mother of three, she was used to working at least 12-hour days while also supporting her children in their goals. Going from that to being unable to move due to pain was hard for her.

“So when someone suggested physical therapy, I tried it,” she says.

She had a few traditional physical therapy (PT) appointments, but the pain was too much. That’s when the Bloomington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation team suggested Aquatic Therapy.

“I didn’t know anything about it. But once I got there—my goodness, I had no idea that I was still able to move my body in so many different ways.”

From pediatric to geriatric patients, the Aquatic Therapy service can assist with many health concerns, including:

• Orthopedic issues
• Neurological issues
• Chronic pain
• Gait disturbances
• Balance and fall concerns
• Arthritis

For this patient, the water made her body light and movements smooth, allowing her to use muscles she couldn’t use before due to incredible pain. And while there is still pain and numbness, the patient is excited about the great strides she’s making with the support of Physical Therapy Assistant Kelly Bellini.

“Aquatic therapy is especially a good option for those who haven’t tolerated traditional land-based therapy,” says Bellini. “It serves as a starting point to improve their strength and function, so that they can begin to tolerate land-based activities and exercises.”

The patient says, “Kelly knows exactly what exercises to help me do so my muscles, nerves and bones will again be mobile. Every time I go to PT, I come back just so uplifted. And with the exercises, my back got strong enough that I no longer needed my back brace, which was one of my biggest milestones.”

Through this resource, the patient has also graduated from needing a wheelchair to a rollator, and now she can get around with just a cane. She’s even added some traditional physical therapy into her routine and is looking forward to her continued progress.

“We take for granted that we just walk. I couldn’t cook an egg at first because I couldn’t stand due to the pain. Now I can cook, and that’s my favorite thing to do.”

Watch the video below to learn more about the Aquatic Therapy service.