Oct. 22, 2025 - A swimming pool isn't only a place for fun and exercise; it can also be a place for healing and restoration. Encompass Health Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital in Glendale, Arizona, hosted its sixth annual swimming clinic for individuals living with amputations. The clinic welcomed people of all swimming abilities who are living with limb loss to use the Ability 360 therapy pool and learn basic aquatic exercises and higher-level stroke techniques.
“There are many benefits to aquatic therapy,” said Britt Kimball, occupational therapist at Encompass Health Valley of the Sun. “With the elimination of gravity, people with amputations have greater freedom of movement without the fear of falling. Also, the water offers resistance, which requires more energy when exercising.”
Kimball, who has taught swimming lessons for 15 years and led the hospital's swim clinic, says the water keeps the body at a more consistent temperature, which is more comfortable when exercising and leads to less pain. The swim clinic is mainly attended by members of the hospital's amputee support group but is open to the community, regardless of where rehabilitative care was received. Kimball hopes to grow the participation over time.
“When the participants are in the pool, they are continuing to heal and grow stronger,” said Kimball. “It's not just good physically, but it's also great mentally and emotionally. The community connection — meeting others who are in similar circumstances — is an invaluable resource for our participants.”
The swim clinic was hosted in partnership with Ability 360.