Physical Therapy and Athletes Advantage staff from St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese tried out the facility's new aquatic therapy pool for the first time when licensed physical therapist Thomas J. Tierney presented a day-long training session.

The pool will be available to patients when the new St. Joseph's Hospital HealthPlex opens this summer.

"We're excited about the challenge that aquatic therapy poses," said Lynn Rinella, PT director. "In many cases, rehabilitation can be initiated sooner if a patient can exercise in a pool rather than on land."

Aquatic therapy can be beneficial for sports-related and other conditions including sprains, strains and contusions; tendonitis, bursitis and fractures; pre- and post-operative, especially anterior cruciate ligament, knee or hip replacement, arthroscopic, back or shoulder surgeries, she said.

Also, Rinella said, aquatic therapy--provided one-on-one or in a group--may help those with degenerative diseases such as arthritis, low endurance or cardiovascular issues as well as pre- or post-partum women.

"Most patients could benefit from exercise and weight-bearing in a warm soothing environment," Rinella said. "A patient can exercise virtually pain-free." The pool will be kept between 88 and 92 degrees.

Generally, Rinella said, aquatic therapy increases circulation, range of motion, strength and endurance, coordination and muscle tone while protecting joints, reducing stress and decreasing swelling.

During his presentation, Tierney, who is president of Aquatic Physical Therapy Resources, discussed equipment options, the physical properties of water and the advantages of aquatic therapy.

"The patient will accomplish advanced levels of function much sooner" when using aquatic therapy, he said.

A published author, Tierney has been a speaker for organizations such as the American Physical Therapy, National Athletic Trainers, United States Water Fitness and Aquatic Exercise associations and helped develop aquatic programs for the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, Green Bay Packers and New York Yankees.

The one-story, 26,000-square-foot HealthPlex will provide space for an expanded PT area, including the therapy pool; Senior Renewal, the hospital's senior adult program; cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation; Athletes Advantage, the hospital's sports medicine program; a common exercise area; physician's office with exam and waiting rooms; and meeting facilities. New programs are also planned.

Specialty-trained and certified hospital employees will supervise all programs.

David Neighbors, MD, who is board-certified in internal medicine, pediatrics and sports medicine and the Medical Director for Athletes Advantage, will serve as the Medical Director for the HealthPlex rehab programs and have offices there.

The Friends of St. Joseph's contributed $75,000-proceeds from the 2005, 2006 and 2007 golf tournaments­­--toward the therapy pool.

For more information on aquatic therapy and the new HealthPlex, contact Physical Therapy at 526-5436 or lrinella@sjb.hshs.org.