Aquatic Therapy

Gentle Therapy, Powerful Results

Aquatic Physical Therapy is Perhaps the Most Innovative Solution in Pain Relief.

Experience gentle, effective rehabilitation in our Lititz, Mount Joy, Lancaster-East, and Lancaster-West pools. Aquatic therapy is a low-impact alternative to traditional PT, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. With appointments available within 24–48 hours, getting started has never been easier.

The specialized aquatic therapists at HARTZ PT provide 1-on-1 attention and tailor appointments to meet your unique symptoms. The buoyancy created by the water allows for decreased stress on joints and helps you perform exercises and range of motion activities that may be difficult to complete on land. The versatility of water provides increased interest and ease of movement, which can result in a more positive response to rehabilitation exercises.

Who It Helps

From stroke recovery to sports injuries, arthritis, joint pain, balance issues, and more—our aquatic therapy supports a wide range of conditions.

Why Water Works

Reduces stress on joints
Improves mobility, strength, and balance
Enhances circulation and flexibility
Promotes relaxation and pain relief

One-on-One Personalized Care

Your aquatic rehabilitation program will always be overseen and progressed by your therapist and each aquatic therapy appointment is tailored to meet the patients’ unique symptom presentation allowing for optimal progression. One patient is scheduled in the pool area at a time and monitored throughout their entire visit. With a maintained water temperature of 90-92 degrees and private changing areas with showers and towels provided, patients will be comfortable throughout their visit.

At HARTZ aquatics you will get one-on-one attention with exercises tailored to your need using water’s natural resistance and buoyancy, you can safely perform movements that may be challenging on land—helping you recover faster and move better.

Common Conditions Treated:

Stroke
Arthritis
Joint Pain
Lymphedema
Sports Injuries
Lower Back Pain
Sprains & Strains
Balance Disorders
Orthopedic Injuries
Neurological Disorders
Post-operative Recovery
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain
Cervical Spine & Posture Problems

Benefits of Aquatic Therapy

Reduces stress on joints
Increases flexibility
Improves gait and mobility
Builds muscle strength
Enhances balance and coordination
Improves circulation and ease of movement
Promotes relaxation
Increases endurance
Reduces swelling and manages pain

Treatment Options

Upper & lower extremity strengthening with hand paddles and aquatic weights.
Functional movement exercises using steps to improve walking or climbing.
Water current resistance therapy allows a quicker return to full weight bearing sport
activities verses land rehabilitation.
Use of water current and various standing positions to improve balance and stability.
Non-weight bearing deep water exercises including traction and stretching.
Refine swimmer stroke technique to prevent future injury and improve performance.
Ai Chi

Ai Chi: Calm, Gentle, Effective Aquatic Therapy

Ai Chi is a calming, full-body practice performed in warm water that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing. Ai Chi helps improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation—making it ideal for patients at any stage of recovery or wellness.

Whether you’re easing into aquatic therapy for the first time, managing chronic pain, or limited in mobility, Ai Chi movements are simple, adaptable, and performed standing in shoulder-depth water.

With its peaceful pace and supportive environment, Ai Chi empowers patients to reduce stress, decrease pain and build strength gently and safely.

Benefits of Ai Chi include:

Improved balance, posture, and core strength
Reduced stress and muscle tension
Enhanced range of motion and flexibility
Gentle, supportive environment for all ages and fitness levels

At HARTZ PT, our Ai Chi sessions are tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring a safe and effective experience. The buoyancy and resistance of water reduce strain on joints while providing gentle support, making it easier to perform movements that might be challenging on land.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or simply looking for a mindful, therapeutic exercise, Ai Chi can help you move with greater ease and confidence.

Make a splash every week with Wet & Wild Wednesday's in the Water With Wendy on Youtube!

Our Aquatic Director, Wendy Enck, PTA, brings 24 years of building our aquatics program and a passion for patient care to every session. She provides individualized aquatic therapy at both our Lancaster-East and Lancaster-West pools, helping patients move more comfortably and confidently in the water. Wendy also oversees and supports our team of aquatic therapists across other locations, maintaining the high standards of care HARTZ PT is known for. You may reach Wendy at wenck@hartzpt.com.