BACKGROUND: Aquatic physical therapy is one means therapists use to facilitate the return to function in the treatment of orthopedic upper-extremity (UE) injuries. Therapists make informed decisions through critical analysis of research, which provides scientific evidence to support aquatic treatment. PURPOSE: To identify evidence that exists to support the treatment of orthopedic UE injuries with aquatic physical therapy. METHODS: A review of the published literature was conducted through online databases including: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Hooked on Evidence, as well as in the published bibliography of the Aquatic Section of the APTA. RESULTS: One randomized control trial (RCT), one case study and 7 expert opinion articles were identified. DISCUSSION AND CLINICAL REFERENCE: Early activation of motion, improvement in joint mobility, muscle strength, proprioception and core strengthening, minimization of pain, decreased risk of further injury, and the use of equipment to increase resistance were all factors supporting aquatic physical therapy intervention for UE injuries. Future experimental studies are recommended to explore the rehabilitation of UE orthopedic injuries through aquatic physical therapy.

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A brief summary and a critical assessment of this review may be available at DARE