Aquatic therapy is a viable rehabilitation alternative for the treatment of low back pain. Aquatic therapy is done in a heated pool. The unique physical properties of the water make it an ideal medium for the rehabilitation of back injuries. Aquatic programs can be used together with land-based therapy.

Warm water encourages blood vessels to open up. This increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients. The warmth also decreases muscle spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and can increase range of motion of joints in a low-stress environment. Gentle water exercises help to build muscle strength and flexibility. Aquatic exercise can benefit people who find weight-bearing exercise difficult (or painful) on land. The buoyancy of water counteracts gravity and helps to support the weight of the patient. This allows development of a therapeutic exercise regimen while controlling such critical factors as the amount of weight placed on the spine.

Water-based exercises should be performed under the guidance of a health professional. Water therapy is not used in cases involving fever, heart failure, and infection. Water temperature is controlled to reduce undesirable cardiac, respiratory and other physiologic effects during water exercise.