Located on the top floor of our Outpatient Center at 801 North Broadway, the Aquatic Therapy Program features two state-of-the-art pools and an above-ground, underwater treadmill enclosed in a transparent, tempered-glass case, which increases the number of options available to patients for rehabilitation. All three settings offer a range of warm-water temperatures, aquatic environments and therapeutic treatment options, depending on patients’ needs. Other features of the two pools include:

  • Built-in treadmills for retraining and observing gait patterns
  • Video systems for monitoring therapy activities
  • Multiple jets used for resistance
  • Floors that operate on lifts to allow barrier-free entry and exit for easy access by patients in wheelchairs
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the facility with light and offer a great view of Baltimore

The Aquatic Therapy Program is available to all patients, whether they are staying in our hospital or visiting for outpatient appointments. Although aquatic therapy is used for many diagnoses, it has proven particularly beneficial for patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, and developmental and neurological disorders.

Our Team

The Aquatic Therapy Program has an interdisciplinary team that includes an:

  • An aquatic medical director
  • An aquatic manager
  • Adapted aquatic specialists certified in lifeguarding, CPR, pool operations, and water safety
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists
  • Recreational therapists

In addition, the physical, occupational, and recreational therapists utilizing the pools are certified in advanced aquatics techniques.

Our Treatment Approach

Aquatic therapy offers many benefits to patients with varying levels of function, including, but not limited to improvements in:

  • Balance
  • Strength
  • Endurance
  • Range of motion
  • Circulation
  • Self-esteem
  • Quality of life

Aquatic therapy is used as a treatment modality throughout the rehabilitation process. The water allows patients to escape the limitations of gravity, and it helps them to become stronger. Because patients can do more in a pool than on land aquatic therapy helps patients achieve their therapeutic goals more quickly. Upon discharge they may a home aquatic therapy program in a community environment or continue at Kennedy Krieger with our Independent Aquatic Program.

Contacts

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (443) 923-9400, or toll-free at (888) 554-2080.

For speech and hearing impaired individuals, please call (443) 923-2645 (TTY).

Physicians & Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals wishing to make a referral should contact our Physician Assistance Group at (443) 923-9403.

Schedule Your Initial Appointment

We welcome your questions and referrals. To schedule an appointment, for more information about a referral or evaluation, or to speak to someone by phone, please contact:

Care Management Office
Toll-free Referral: (888) 554-2080
Local Referral: (443) 923-9400

Request an Appointment

Change Your Appointment Date/Time or Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment

To reschedule an appointment or to schedule a follow-up appointment, please call the Medical Care Center at (443) 923-9230.

Related Materials and Information

Aquatic Therapy Program Factsheet (PDF)