The Origami Aquatic Therapy program was started in order to provide an extension of physical therapy services to the Origami clients. Providing physical therapy services in a body of water can prove to be beneficial for a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to: stroke, traumatic brain injury, cerebral aneurysm, orthopedic injury, and gait disorder.

Origami's Aquatic Therapy program takes place at the YMCA on the south side of Lansing. The YMCA's pool has a water-driven hydraulic chair lift which may ease the entry in and out of the pool for those who need more assistance. There are steps with a handrail leading into the pool and hot tub for maximum safety and accessibility. The amount of assistance provided is dependent upon individual needs. The goal of Aquatic Therapy is to make each individual as independent as possible with their exercise program, without any compromise to their safety.

Aquatic Therapy recipients are treated in the pool according to their abilities and the therapeutic goals set by the physical therapist, and treatment may consist of gait training, sensorimotor retraining, balance and coordination activities, therapeutic exercise, group activities, and swimming/ floating exercises, using water as an ideal medium for resistance and balance support, while maximizing range of motion and flexibility. The program changes and evolves to meet each individual's needs as they make gains towards their physical therapy goals. Treatment typically involves 30-45 minutes of therapy in the pool, and an additional 5-15 minutes in the hot tub.  Time spent in the hot tub helps to relieve pain, and relax tight, spastic muscles, a common result of traumatic brain injury.

Positive results from the Aquatic Therapy program have been evident since its onset, both in the physical health and quality of life of our clients, and it will continue to serve as an integral part of our physical therapy services for many years to come.