Christine Gulotta, DPT, program director of RehabCare Group at Shell Point’s Larsen Pavilion, has received Aqua Therapy certification from the Aquatic Therapy and Rehab Institute.
“Being certified in aquatic therapy allows me to bring quality treatment and advanced knowledge to Shell Point’s rehabilitation program,” said Gulotta. She added, “Patients and their families are assured that I understand safety concerns and deliver appropriate treatment per the standards of care in aquatic rehabilitation.”
Patients receiving inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation at Shell Point can benefit from the use of two therapy pools. The Rehabilitation Center features an aqua therapy pool with two underwater treadmills. This pool is heated to a therapeutic 92 degrees and features a lift for those unable to use the steps. The new LifeQuest Aquatic Center has a therapy pool with warmer temperatures designed for specialty classes to help ease joint pain related to chronic arthritis and other illnesses.
“Most physical challenges are not a barrier at the Aquatic Center,” said Healthcare Marketing Specialist McKenzie Millis. “The therapy pool features an easy-access ramp for patients who need rehabilitation after injuries and surgeries.”
By using the resistance of water instead of weights, aqua therapy is ideal for arthritis management and joint pain; gait analysis; musculoskeletal disorders; chronic back pain and lumbar stabilization; spinal cord injuries; amputees; stroke; and brain injury. Rehabilitation patients can enjoy the benefits of aquatic therapy and exercise for improved muscle relaxation and circulation. Treatment may include increasing joint range of motion, walking activities, strength/resistance training, core strengthening, and balance in sitting and or standing. Aqua therapy can help reduce swelling, pain, and pressure during the rehabilitation process—often leading to faster progress with greater results on land.
The Rehabilitation Center in the Larsen Pavilion at Shell Point offers inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative and individualized physical therapy through a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapy assistants, certified occupational therapy assistants and technicians. Whether welcoming individuals from outside Shell Point or residents from within the community, the Larsen Pavilion provides the best quality of care available. Specialized programs include orthopedics, stroke care, memory care, dysphagia, pain management, and low vision. A dedicated occupational therapy suite and aqua therapy pool are also available. To learn more about the Larsen Pavilion or to register for an upcoming inpatient rehab stay call 239-415-5432.
Shell Point Retirement Community is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers just off Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard, two miles before the Sanibel causeway. A nationally recognized leader in the retirement industry, the community offers retirement living in a resort-style environment with a newly renovated 18-hole championship golf course that is open to the public, deep water boating access with free boat dockage, and recreational and fitness facilities. To learn more about Shell Point, please visitwww.shellpoint.org or call 1-800-780-1131.
