Uplifting technology
JEFFERSON TWP — Layton "Rusty" Crytzer has discovered a trick. The Natrona Heights man can submerge himself shoulder-deep in water and retreat again without moving a muscle.
That's not to say he doesn't move muscles: He does so during physical therapy done at Concordia Lutheran Ministries.
Like many others who do aquatic therapy at Concordia, the 78-year-old stroke victim needs only to stand on the pool's perforated hydraulic floor, which can be raised and lowered for those unable to navigate stairs.
"I'm getting stronger every day," said Crytzer, whose left side was immobilized by the stroke in August. "I'm probably the luckiest guy in the world to have this place."
The 10-by-14-foot Hydroworx pool was installed in October at Concordia's rehabilitation facility on Marwood Road.
The facility, which offers a full range of physical therapy services including aquatics, is open to the community, as well as residents of Concordia's senior care campuses.
Nick Reiser, director of rehabilitation for Concordia's four campuses, said a diverse group has been using the pool since it opened in December.
"The range of injuries is pretty broad," he said, noting high school athletes are as likely to receive aquatic therapy as senior citizens.
The pool can accommodate those recovering from hip and knee replacements, sports injuries or paralysis, Reiser said.
Without the pool's hydraulic floor, people like Crytzer would need to be lifted in and out of the water to do aquatic therapy.
Although initially after his stroke Crytzer was confined to a wheelchair, he now has advanced to partial use of a cane. Although he had been doing physical therapy before he began aquatics, he credits exercising in water as helping his recovery.
In the water, for example, Crytzer can lift his foot. "Outside, it's too heavy,"he said.
Mary Cochrane of Herman, who has undergone a spinal fusion and multiple other surgeries, said aquatic therapy is her only viable option for exercise.
"It allows me to move,"she said. "On land, I don't move too well."
In an effort to avoid knee surgery, Karen Reiser of Penn Township also uses the pool. She began aquatic therapy several weeks ago after it was prescribed by her rheumatologist.
"I like the heat of the pool and the water," she said. "I think it's strengthening my legs. I think my knees have improved."
Nicole Price, event and trade show manager for Harrisburg-based Hydroworx, said a handful of aquatic therapy pools, including one at the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, exist in the region — but none with a hydraulic floor like the one at Concordia.
That pool, which has a maximum depth of 6 feet, cost $99,300.
