Aquatic Therapy

What is Aquatic Therapy?
How do I sign up for an Aquatic Therapy Program?
What should I expect?
Will my insurance pay for classes?
What Aquatic classes are offered?
What are pool class times?

What is Aquatic Therapy?

Individual therapy is available for adults and children with orthopedic or neurologic disabilities that require skilled therapy in an aquatic setting. A licensed physical therapist evaluates your abilities and goals, and designs an aquatic program for you. Under the direct supervision of the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, one-on-one functional training and therapeutic exercise can be accomplished in our warm water pool by patients that may have difficulty exercising in a land-based setting. Your therapist works with you to achieve maximum independence. When you are independent and safe, you may chose to transition to a program which can be performed in our Fitness Center. There, you can continue to use our warm-water pool by joining one of the community aquatic fit ness classes that are offered Monday through Friday, or continue with a home program.

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How Do I Sign Up For an Aquatic Therapy Program?

To sign up for the National Jewish Aquatic Therapy Program, you will need a Physician Authorization Form in PDF format. Please print this form from our website and take it to your physician for his/her signature. Once your physician has completed the form, please call to schedule your first pool class. The completed form will be required before participation in the first class. Your physician may choose to fax the form back to us at (303) 270-2238.

What Should I Expect? How Should I Prepare?

Please plan to arrive early (15-20 minutes) on your first visit. This will allow you to orient yourself to the hospital, and find your way to the pool. You may park in the patient parking lots adjacent to the front entrance of the hospital at 1400 Jackson Street. Once inside the hospital main entrance, take the elevator down to the basement and follow the black signs to the pool. The walk to the pool is approximately 700 feet. There are chairs in the tunnels to stop and rest, if needed. The pool is located in the school building. We provide locker rooms to change and towels. Click here for a map to our pool.

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Will My Insurance Pay for My Classes?

These pool classes are not considered reimbursable by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance companies, because they do not meet the criteria for medical necessity or qualify as skilled physical therapy services. Therefore, we are unable to submit billing for these classes. Each individual participant will be responsible for payment of the program cost. The cost for each class is $5.00 or $40.00 per calendar month. A punch card for up to 24 classes is also available.

We look forward to meeting you and to your participation in our program. Please call Paul at (303) 398-1336 if you have any questions.

What Aquatic Classes are Offered?

Arthritis Foundation/YMCA Aquatic Plus Program (Shallow Water Class)

This shallow water recreational exercise class was designed by the Arthritis Foundation for thos e with arthritis to help relieve pain and stiffness. It is also appropriate for those with pulmonary problems, muscular weakness, or pain. Non-swimmers are welcome. Participants are led through a series of exercises to improve joint flexibility with the aid of the water’s buoyancy and resistance.

Aquacise Class (Deep Water Class)

Deep-water cardiovascular conditioning workout. Emphasis is on flexibility, and toning with an aerobic component. Non-swimmers welcome, but must be comfortable in deep water using the floatation devices.

Water Works Back Class

This program emphasizes back positioning and maintaining trunk stabilization while getting a good workout.

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What Are Pool Class Times?

• Click here to see Frequently Asked Questions About the Pool and Our Aquatic Classes.
• Click here to learn more about our Community Fitness Programs.

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