Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of therapy. Water improves motion and flexibility. The warmth of the water (93-94 F) allows muscles to relax while helping to reduce pain. The natural buoyancy reduces gravitational pull and lessens compressive forces, up to 90% reduction of your normal weight, hence making exercises much easier to perform than on land. Best of all, aquatic therapy can be used even if a patient does not know how to swim.
Water can be excellent environment for patients who have difficulty with weight bearing activities due to, recent surgery, arthritis, recent fracture, sprain/strains, or excessive weight. There is no other method of exercising available that creates a near zero gravity setting.