Owner Peter George inherited the business in 2012 from his late brother, Jerry, who opened it in 1996 with his then-wife Pam. George said he came in for treatment about 20 years ago after a water skiing accident and was able to alleviate the pain of a broken back and later for herniated discs.
“I know firsthand that the water is very helpful,” George said. “Something about the water is just fun too.”
Since opening in Humble, the program has expanded to a second facility in southeast Houston. Patients come in for various issues, including back and neck pain, shoulder injuries and neurological injuries.
Operations Director Sam Coco said aquatic therapy also offers unique opportunities for pediatricians working with children as well as patients who struggle with weight.
“As soon as you get in the pool, that [pain or weight on joints] just alleviates so they can do the exercises to get themselves stronger that they wouldn’t be able to do on the land,” he said.
Coco said the buoyancy of the water also helps patients who struggle with balance and fear falling.
Additionally, House Bill 29, which passed in the 86th Texas legislative session, allows patients to come directly to a therapist for up to 10 business days while working on getting a physician referral for therapy.
Marketing Manager Chris Smith said as the company heads into its 24th year, the most important thing is seeing how patients’ lives change when they get out of the pool.
“They’re getting their life back to be able to function,” she said. “We’ve seen people come in in wheelchairs and leave walking.”
Aquatic Care Programs
1901 1st St. E., Humble
713-454-6000
www.aquaticcare.net
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-7 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
This article ran in the February 2020 edition of Lake Houston, Humble, Kingwood. The full e-edition will be available online Feb. 3.
