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TO: Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands Physical Therapy Department FROM: Danielle Agleam DATE: March 3, 2019 SUBJECT: Purchase recommendation for hydrotherapy pools INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this report is to recommend installing a hydrotherapy pool at the physical therapy department of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands. The current physical therapy department contains various equipment to help aid children in rehabilitation but nothing to help inflammation and pain when it comes to mobility. Physical therapy is often a lengthy process that endures a lot of pain for a long duration of time and for children it is extremely painful and not the most enjoyable when attending their physical therapy appointments. In order to help ease that transition for children, installing a hydrotherapy pull can help ease the pain and discomfort for children during their rehabilitation.

Criteria

To help understand why purchasing and installing a hydrotherapy pool is needed, I developed the following criteria:

1. Health Benefits

2. Cost

Recommendation

I recommended the purchase of a hydrotherapy pool. First, a hydrotherapy is not a rare rehabilitation equipment to find. Many companies offer a wide range of hydrotherapy pools that will accommodate to your department’s needs. Second, the cost of a hydrotherapy is much more inexpensive than other rehab equipment. Thus, it also has a high longevity and will not have to be replaced due to usage. Third, hydrotherapy pools have been used for decades to help athletes and patients return to their best self ("Hydrotherapy."). These pools use aquatic exercise as an effective treatment to bring down the inflammation and swelling which helps ease the patients pain ("Hydrotherapy.").

DISCUSSION

Health Benefits

1. Reduces muscle tension The weightlessness a patient feels underwater relieves tension in the extremities which allows support in the muscles and eases the movement as opposed to rehabilitation outside of the water.

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Hydrotherapy also releases endorphins which act as the body’s natural pain reliever which will further help the patients muscle soreness. (“Why Is Hydrotherapy Good for You?”)

2. Rehabilitates Injured Muscles Warm or hot water raises the body’s temperature which increases blood flow around the circulatory system and helps alleviate the pain in the specific injured area. (“Why Is Hydrotherapy Good for You?”)

3. Boosts the immune system The increased blood flow, mentioned above, also allows lymph to be through the body to help strengthen the immune system. (“Why Is Hydrotherapy Good for You?”)

4. Encourages cleansing of the body The human body will sweat when in a hot or steamy area like a hydrotherapy pool. This is the body’s main way of eliminating toxins and impurities. (“Why Is Hydrotherapy Good for You?”)

5. Reduces stress Hydrotherapy pools alleviate stress by reducing blood pressure caused by stress. It can also slow down the body’s reaction to stress and release endorphins. (“Why Is Hydrotherapy Good for You?”)

Cost

Purchasing and installing a new hydrotherapy pool must fit into the departments available budget. There are several types of aquatic therapy pools that can meet to the departments standards. Some options you can include are accessibility rails and steps, underwater treadmill, and hydrotherapy jets. The most basic design starts at $7,400 and the most complex and accessory built reaches to $30,000.

CONCLUSION

Purchasing a hydrotherapy pool is something your physical therapy department should consider. With pools ranging from $7,000 to $30,000 it is guaranteed your company will find the pool that will best fit you and your patients’ needs. Investing in a hydrotherapy pool will be most beneficial in the long run since patients nowadays are looking for rehabilitation that is less painful and more functional.

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Works Cited

"Hydrotherapy.". “Hydrotherapy.” The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th Ed, Encyclopedia.com, 2019, www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/divisions-diagnostics-and- procedures/medicine/hydrotherapy.

“Why Is Hydrotherapy Good for You?” 8 Reasons Why Meditation Is Good for Your Health - Health and Fitness Travel, www.healthandfitnesstravel.com/blog/why-is-hydrotherapy- good-for-you.