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Therapeutic Swimming Pool

Photo of Swimming Pool
The Wasie Therapeutic Swimming Pool is an aquatic facility that complements the total care and treatment of patients at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.

The pool’s water temperature is a comfortable 92 degrees, and the ramp and staircase make for easy access into this multilevel pool. In addition, a stainless-steel wheelchair, handrails and an adaptive ladder make the pool accessible for persons with disabilities.

A certified lifeguard or instructor is on duty for exercise instructions and supervision.

Individuals requiring assistance in the locker room or in the pool need to provide their own attendant. A separate family locker room is available for clients and their attendants. Participants must provide their own padlock, swimsuit and towel.


About the Aquatic Therapy Program at the Wasie Therapeutic Pool

Aquatic Physical Therapy and Independent Aquatic Exercise are inclusive of the Aquatic Therapy Program at the Wasie Therapeutic Swimming Pool. These two programs offer a comprehensive selection of services to evaluate, treat and maintain an aquatic exercise plan.

Aquatic therapy may be beneficial if you are currently under a doctor’s care for an acute or chronic injury or condition, including arthritis, back or neck injury, chronic pain, stroke, spinal cord injury, head injuries, joint replacement, orthopaedic injuries, pediatric conditions and neurologic disorders.


Inpatient/Outpatient Aquatic Physical Therapy

Inpatient and outpatient physical therapy services provide participants with an aquatic program that is designed to meet their individual needs.

After a thorough evaluation by a physical therapist, participants are set up on an individualized exercise program. Therapists instruct and supervise participants until they have demonstrated understanding of their exercises.

After approximately six to eight sessions, participants then assume responsibility to carry out the rest of their exercise program at a pool of their choice-either at the Wasie Pool during one of the many independent aquatic exercise classes or at a local health club.

If you wish to schedule a physical therapy visit, call 612-863-4446.


Independent Aquatic Exercise Programs

Independent Aquatic Exercise programs are for individuals who want to join an aquatic exercise program that fits their individual needs or to work independently on aquatic therapy exercises on an ongoing and continuous basis. These range from water exercises to an independent lap swim program. Below are the various independent programs:

Arthritis Aquatic Exercise Program
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 2-3 p.m.
Cost: $4 per visit
This program is endorsed by the Arthritis Foundation and is for individuals with any form of arthritis. Gentle range of motion exercises are led by an Arthritis Foundation Certified Aquatic Instructor. Time is allowed for low impact swimming or individual exercises. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Community Swim for People with Disabilities
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $3 per visit
Individuals with a disability may use the pool for independent swimming and exercise. Participants may bring one paying guest during these time periods. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Fibromyalgia Aquatic Exercise Program
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 5-6 p.m.
Cost: $50 for a six-week session
For individuals with fibromyalgia, this class provides a combination of gentle range of motion and low impact cardiovascular programming. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Independent Aquatic Exercise and Swimming for Individuals with a Disability
Hours: A one hour exercise session may be scheduled between 8 a.m. and noon, Monday-Friday
Cost: $25 for six one-hour sessions
This program provides individuals with a disability to independently work on their aquatic exercise and swimming conditioning program. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Independent Low Back Exercise Program
Hours: Monday to Friday, noon to 1 p.m.
Cost: $4 per visit
The Independent Low Back Exercise Program is a therapeutic swim program designed for people with low back problems. Flexibility exercises are conducted. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Senior Aquatic Exercise Program
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 2-3 p.m.
Cost: $3 per visit
This program is for individuals 55 and older to work independently on lap swimming, aquatic exercise and relaxation. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Swimming Lessons for Individuals with a Disability
Hours: Various times throughout the week
Cost: $40 for six 30-minute lessons
The individualized swimming instruction may include skills to overcome the fear of water, develop or improve swim skills, and develop a swimming conditioning program based on each person’s abilities. A physician order is needed to participate in this program.


Additional Aquatic Programs

Aqua Tots Swim Program
Dates: Vary throughout the year
Costs: $55 for a six-week session
The Aqua Tots Swim Program helps children, ages nine months through four years, to grow up with an appreciation, knowledge and confidence of water. The program includes safety education, water-adjustment activities and games. Parents must accompany their child in the pool and locker room, and are responsible for the supervision of their child at all times.


Employee Swim
Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 5-6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 6-7 a.m.
Cost: $3 per visit, or free with LiveWell Fitness Center membership card
Abbott Northwestern Hospital employees and their families may use the pool for their enjoyment.


Location

The Wasie Therapeutic Pool is located on the first floor between the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute lobby and the Wasie Building on the Abbott Northwestern Hospital campus (see map). On-street parking and ramp parking are available.



Registration

Call 612-863-5238 to register for any of the programs or download the 2008 registration form (PDF).



Related Links


 

 

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550
E-mail us

 

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