Spine pain: aquatic rehabilitation strategies.

Aquatic rehabilitation and swimming programs have been designed to treat spinal pain and dysfunction. They may be used in conjunction with land-based rehabilitation protocols or as the sole rehabilitative tool. The effectiveness of these programs requires the treating physician and therapist to have a thorough understanding of spinal anatomy, biomechanics, and pathophysiology as well as that of its associated kinetic chain. This understanding ensures that the primary dysfunction and any associated deficits are completely identified and treated. Aquatic programs can then be customized to address these dysfunctions and deficits thus helping to more rapidly minimize pain and maximize function.