Finding Us: Therapy pools are located on the garden level of the main hospital on the Avera McKennan campus. Due to on-campus construction and some road and parking lot closures, we recommend you allow extra time to get to your destination. For parking, it’s best to access the free ramps via 20th Street, and then take the skywalk into the main hospital and go up on the elevators. Valet service remains available at the main hospital entrance. If you need help finding an elevator or wheelchair assistance, go to the information desk at the main valet entrance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. See the latest map and construction updates.
Physical and occupational therapists utilize the physical properties of water to meet therapy goals specific to each individual. The relative density of water, buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, turbulence, surface tension, viscosity and refraction all play an important role in the development of pool programs. Aquatic therapy combines the physiologic effects brought about by warm water and exercise. The water’s relaxing qualities allow for movements that cannot be attained on land. Pain, limited motion, weakness, balance, coordination, perceptual-spatial body image, and circulatory and respiratory insufficiencies can all be addressed in a pool therapy program.
Each pool has an option for patients to enter the water via steps or a pool lift. A physician’s referral is required for aquatic therapy sessions.
Aquatic Therapy and Pool Services
Conditions Aquatic Therapy Treats
Water improves motion and flexibility, helps muscles relax and reduces pain. Aquatic therapy is beneficial to the following conditions:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Back and neck pain
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Degenerative joint disease
- Developmental and pediatric conditions
- Gait and balance disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint pain and replacements
- Lymphedema
- Neurological conditions (stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, post-polio, Parkinson’s disease)
- Pregnancy
- Sports injuries
Warm Water Pool Descriptions
Aquatic therapy combines the physiologic effects brought about by warm water and exercise.
Therapy Pool
This 3’9” deep pool is beneficial in reducing tone, improving range of motion and relaxation.
- Water temperature: 96 degrees
- Bench for sitting and exercise
- Transfer ledge for wheelchair accessibility
Walking Pool
This 3’2” to 3’7” deep pool is beneficial for a variety of treatments and balance training and helps those with neurological or cardiac conditions needing cooler water.
- Water temperature: 92 degrees
- Parallel bars in water to assist with gait and balance training
Exercise Pool
This 4’6” to 6’ deep pool is for lap swimming and has a cooler temperature for cardio and non-weight bearing workouts.
- Water temperature: 88 degrees
- Aquatic workout stations
More Programs and Classes
In addition to therapy services, the center also facilitates specialty therapy classes including:
- Parkinson’s Aquatic Program
- Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Class and Adapted Aquatics
- Education for acute and chronic pain
Avera McKennan Inpatient Rehabilitation is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for our inpatient rehab program. We’re also the only CARF-accredited program in the region for behavioral pain management, work specific rehab and level I brain injury program.
Department of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
