IRON MOUNTAIN – Ashley Bracco, PTA, ATRI, of U.P. Rehab Services, is the area’s therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation specialist in aquatics.

Bracco received her specialty certification in the areas of aquatic treatment of the hip and back in November 2014.

“I am very excited to share with patients the information and knowledge I have acquired while attending my certification courses. Aquatic therapy is a great way to help our clients achieve their functional goals by allowing them to exercise in an environment that eliminates the stress of gravity. It is my personal goal to ensure each patient is able to safely utilize the pool to its fullest potential to restore functional mobility with a one-on-one treatment session,” Bracco said.

“Our clinic features a Hydroworx aquatic therapy pool with an underwater treadmill. The warm water temperatures allow the muscles and joints to be stretched and strengthened in ways our patients may be unable to tolerate on land. The Hydroworx pool has many benefits including the unweighing effects caused by buoyant forces and the ability to decrease edema from the help of hydrostatic pressures on the body. There is an opportunity for everyone to benefit from aquatic therapy following a personalized plan of care developed by the patient and supervising therapist,” noted Dr. Sara Edlebeck, clinic director.

For more information about aquatic therapy, physical therapy or for a free tour of the facility, contact U.P. Rehab Services in Kingsford at 776-9003 or visit www.uprehab.com/iron-mountain.