Aquatic Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain & Arthritis
Veronica, PT, PRC, ATRIC | Living Well Center for Integrative Health – Essex Junction, VT
Patient: 48-year-old Essex Junction resident
Primary concern: Persistent low back and hip pain for several years
The Challenge
Land-based physical therapy with a previous provider was too painful. The patient needed a gentler way to improve mobility and strength while maintaining independence.
Assessment & Integrated Plan Veronica used:
Aquatic therapy in the Hydroworx pool for reduced joint load and earlier strengthening
Progressive transition back to land-based movement
Coordinated chiropractic care for spinal mobility and support
Outcomes That Mattered
Improved mobility and strength with less pain
Successfully transitioned back to land-based activity
Greater ease with daily tasks
Maintained independence
Why This Worked
The buoyancy of aquatic therapy allowed effective strengthening without the pain of land-based loading, creating a bridge to more functional movement on land.
Privacy Notice: All case studies are fully anonymized and represent common conditions treated at Living Well. Results described in this case study reflect one patient's individual experience. Outcomes vary from person to person, and individual results are not guaranteed.