Here at Smith PT+ Aquatics we utilize a wide variety of devices and tools to assist in your rehabilitation journey. One of the most commonly used is a pool noodle. There are so many different things that a pool noodle can be utilized for, other than lounging with your favorite cool beverage of course!

One of the ways our therapists utilize pool noodles is to assist in keeping you buoyant. This could be for some deep water aqua cycling, or helping you maintain a floating position vertically while we work on some lower extremity strengthening. This provides them with the opportunity to keep you in a position with reduced gravitational force, and facilitate strengthening to specific muscle groups in non-weight bearing positions. Great for those who have non-weight bearing restrictions following a surgical procedure. 

Another way the pool noodle can be used, is to support you with some gentle stretching interventions, such as our 3 way hamstring stretching shown below! As pool noodles are naturally buoyant, they can assist with stretching, by supporting the extremity, rather than you as a patient holding it manually or the therapist pressing into the stretch. This allows for further independence with stretching and can easily be performed by a number of individuals. 

Pool noodles can also be used to create resistance for a wide variety of interventions, such as tricep extensions or resisted squats; the bigger the noodle the greater the challenge. As you can see, there are a wide variety of ways we can use pool noodles, all tailored to your needs during your time with us here at Smith PT+ Aquatics. Stop in to schedule an initial evaluation with us, so we can get you back to feeling and moving better, because you were made to move!

To see how to schedule your initial evaluation with Smith PT+ Aquatics check out the following article: https://www.smithptrun.com/physical-therapy-tips/scheduling-an-appointment-at-smith-pt-aquatic-rehab/