Winona Health Rehabilitation Services Therapy Pool Now Benefitting patients

The long-awaited aquatic therapy pool is now in use and benefitting Winona Health Rehabilitation Services and Sports Therapy patients.

“To me, the water is healing,” said Rhonda Barnes of Winona, who was the first patient to use the new therapy pool. “I have chronic arthritis pain, and I feel such relief in the pool. I feel almost weightless, and that makes it easier to exercise and strengthen my muscles and move my joints.”

Lucas Barbknecht, a doctor of Physical Therapy at Winona Health, has been looking forward to having a dedicated aquatic therapy pool conveniently located for patients. When he and his fellow Winona Health physical therapists were designing their new space, which is located in the recently opened Winona Family Y, the therapy pool was a high priority.

“Aquatic therapy uses the natural therapeutic qualities of water, resistance and buoyancy, to create an ideal environment for exercise for some patients,” explained Barbknecht. “It can be used on its own or in combination with a land therapy program to help patients get the best outcomes whether they are recovering from an injury or dealing with a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis.”

According to Barbknecht, aquatic therapy helps patients:

Improve their range of motion
Decrease joint stress
Build strength and muscle
Reduce pain
Decrease swelling
Increase blood circulation

“I have a whole routine for getting ready to get into the pool,” said Barnes. “I start out by lying back in the water and feeling peace and relaxation.” She also notes that the view from the pool featuring the bluffs and Sugar Loaf is beautiful. “It’s quite an experience!” Barnes added that she’s looking forward to being able to garden this spring and is glad that aquatic therapy is available to help her get stronger.

Winona Health Rehabilitation Services is now located in a dedicated suite in the new Winona Family Y at 902 Parks Avenue in Winona, next to Winona Health.

For more information about Winona Health Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy Services, visit winonahealth.org or call 507-457-4329.

Those interested in receiving preventive or rehabilitative therapy should request a referral from their healthcare provider or call 507-457-4329 for assistance.