July 25, 2003

Arthritis Aquatic Exercise

Genesis Offers AFAP Certified Program

Davenport, IA - You may think that exercise and arthritis do not go hand in hand. If so, you would be mistaken. It was thought for many years that if you had arthritis you should not exercise because it would damage your joints. Now, however, research has shown that exercise is an essential tool in managing your arthritis.

Regular exercise helps keep joints moving, restores and preserves flexibility and strength, and protects joints against further damage. It improves your coordination, endurance and your ability to perform daily tasks such as walking or writing. Exercise also can lead to mood enhancement, an improved sense of self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Center offers a Certified Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) in the therapeutic pool at the Genesis Plaza in Bettendorf. The aquatic therapy and exercise program improves participants' strength, range of motion, flexibility and endurance.

The aquatic therapy program offers two different classes, instructor-directed and self-directed.

Instructor-directed classes are $97 per person and held every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 - 8 am, 8 - 9 am, 9 - 10 am and noon to 1 pm. Classes are also on Monday and Thursday from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. The sessions are lead by a trained instructor and are designed to provide range of motion and flexibility.

Self-directed classes are for patients who have completed the instructor-directed class and are ready to exercise independently. The class is supervised by a trained instructor and cost $81 per person. Sessions are held on the following days and times:

Monday and Friday:  6:30 - 7:30 am and 7:30 - 8:30 am
Wednesday:  7:30 - 8:30 am
Monday, Wednesday and Friday:  11:30 am - 12:15 pm and 12:15 - 1 pm

Most sessions are 12 weeks long. For more information about the AFAP Arthritis Aquatic Program, contact the Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at 563-421-3460.