What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy in Utah.For years, therapists have realized positive results when applying this water modality to a variety of patient populations. Water has been, and still remains, the best environment to achieve full function regardless of the injury. Water improves motion and flexibility. The warmth of the water (92*F) and its massaging effects allow muscles to relax while helping to reduce pain. The natural buoyancy reduces gravitational pull and lessens compressive forces, hence making exercises much easier to perform than on land. Best of all, aquatic therapy can be used even if a patient does not know how to swim.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy:
- Warm water facilitates muscle relaxation and increases peripheral circulation.
- Viscosity of water provides resistance for strength training.
- Warm water stimulates body awareness, balance, and trunk stability.
- The reduction of gravitational forces in the pool allows the patient to stand and begin gait training and strengthening exercises without causing further damage to healing structures.
- Warm water and buoyancy results in decreased pain sensitivity.
- Improvement of patient morale and confidence can be established by providing a positive medium in which to function.
Certified Astym Providers
Unmatched Restorative Results
Rock Run Physical Therapy is committed to offering top-quality care. We have clinicians on staff that underwent the intensive training and education to become Astym-certified.
At Rock Run Therapy, your physical therapy and physical rehabilitation needs will be solved.
Our Aquatic Rehabilitation Program
Our Utah aquatic rehabilitation program consists of supervised exercises performed in the water. Swimming is not a prerequisite skill. Patients can perform each exercise while standing in the water, holding onto the side of the pool or using a flotation device. The water provides a safe and effective method for healing injuries, restoring patient confidence and increasing mobility with each completed exercise.
Aquatic Rehabilitation may be prescribed specifically for:
- Low back pain
- Joint paint from sports or daily repetitive activities
- Neurological and orthopedic injuries
- Post-surgical debilitation
- Muscle weakness secondary to chronic or acute injury or illness
Patient Testimonials
We are committed to providing the best physical therapy experience with the highest quality of care for optimal results. See what real patients have to say about us!
— Lynda S., Posted May 5, 2021I came to Rock Run in bad shape after a bad accident. Josh did my initial consultation and his kindness and level or knowledge was so reassuring. I knew I had come to the right place. It was a long recovery and Josh and his team were right there with me encouraging and making sure I received optimal treatment. I am now physically a better healthier person thanks to the top-notch physical therapy I have received.
5 Stars
Lynda S. 2021
— Lincoln S., Posted May 5, 2021Before Rock Run, I was extremely nervous that if I continued to use my shoulder it would permanently damage it. The guys at Rock Run not only got it back to normal but I feel even more strength than before. I knew that I was in good hands after my first check-in and I 100% recommend this facility to anyone else.
- Lincoln S.
5 Stars
— Brian K., Posted April 19, 2021Incredible time here at Rock Run PT. Everyone was friendly and great to work with. Before starting PT my right side fingers and hand would have pin & needles sensation with almost any neck movement. After 16 appointments the sensation is virtually non-existent. I’m not sure if any single activity helped me than any other but with all activities together. I know feel much better. I appreciate all the Rock Run PT team helping me accomplish my goals of greatly reducing my pain and getting me back to doing everything I want.
5 Stars
Brian K. 2021
— Susan A., Posted April 6, 2021Before coming to Physical Therapy for my neck I had problems doing things on the computer and even playing with grandkids. Driving was hard since I couldn’t look over my shoulder – to look in the back seat was impossible.
Now, I am having no problem looking to the right or left! My headaches that I was having daily are very infrequent now – I don’t remember when I had a bad one. Each time I came Jerrin would work on it to help me move my neck more and more.
Thanks so much!
5 Stars
Susan A.
— Janelle B., Posted March 31, 2021Amazing experience at Rock Run PT. Before Physical Therapy, I had such limited range of motion due to lower back pain. I struggled to stand for more than 2-3 minutes and could not even put on my shoes. The pain impacted my day to day activities and quality of life. After PT, I have regained my range of motion and eliminated the pain to allow me to get back to full activity! I am highly impressed with the level of professionalism and care I received at Rock Run PT.
5 Stars
Janelle B. 2021
— Nanette N., Posted March 30, 2021Initially I was very hesitant to come and receive Physical Therapy. I did not have an injury or surgery. I came here in effort to avoid surgery. My knee was in rough shape. I avoided my morning walks, standing and going down stairs. Today, I am ready to tackle these activities again!
The staff is wonderful! Everyone is always concerned about my comfort and well-being. They have provided all the tools I need to move forward and continue progressing. Jerrin thank you!!
5 Stars
-Nanette N.
— Susan D., Posted March 16, 2021Had pain in my back and leg. I had been to Rock Run before with a similar problem ad they were wonderful to work with, so I wanted to come back. They are all very caring and professional. They prepared a treatment plan and gave me exercises to do at home. I appreciate the great service and will recommend to others.
5 Stars
Susan D. 2021
— Rita P., Posted March 3, 2021I came I with a left ankle problem and still swollen. I was very leery to even move it but staff was very supportive and educational. The exercises started off very basic and worked up always keeping at a level I could manage. The medical staff always knew just what I needed. Any way I am leaving with a stable ankle and confidence to function and I appreciate the staff who made that possible. I hope not to get injured again but should I this will be the place I come back to.
5 Stars
Rita P. 2021
— Rebecca S., Posted March 2, 2021I was diagnosed with a very painful foot condition called metatarsalgia. I was desperate for some kind of pain relief and decided to try Physical Therapy for it. 12 visits later with doing laser therapy and exercises my foot feels so much better. I’m able to walk with very little discomfort. Jerrin was amazing and he just pulled out his knowledge on how to treat my foot. I will definitely come back and recommend Rock Run to everyone I know.
5 Stars
Rebecca S.
— Phillip S., Posted February 25, 2021Rock Run in Syracuse was instrumental in my recovery after my shoulder surgery. The staff was awesome in what I needed, or was curious to try. Before surgery I had almost no strength or motion, and now it is about 90% better. After my surgery I couldn’t move my shoulder, and now I can go back to coaching my sons hockey team.
5 Stars
Phillip S. 2021
— Melody O., Posted February 22, 2021When I first started Physical Therapy, I had doubts that it would help with the pain that I had but I was surprised. There have been so many pain free days. I’m almost sad to stop. I would recommend this place to anyone. I appreciate the friendly atmosphere and especially the things Jerrin taught me – and his patience. This place ROCKS.
5 Stars
Melody O.
— Bradley W., Posted February 12, 2021When I came in my back was so bad, I was unable to do most anything. Josh and his team have worked with me to help me literally get back on my feet. Their expertise in exercises and stretches helped immensely! The pool was remarkable! The team is outstanding!
5 Stars
Bradley W. 2021
— Shawn C, Posted February 6, 2021I broke my elbow, but when it healed, I couldn’t extend my arm straight. After seven visits of PT, it is almost as straight as my other arm and much stronger. I can do the activities I used to with only minimal limitation or pain. It feels so much better! Thank you Brenda, Bailee and PT team.
5 Stars
Shawn C. 2020
— Susan B, Posted February 5, 2021I came to Rock Run Physical Therapy in 2016 for therapy on my right knee replacement and was very please with the care I received, so when it came time to have my left knee done – I came back. I have received the same quality of care as before and each person I have worked with has been professional, friendly, and caring. I recommend Rock Run highly!
5 Stars
Susan B. 2020
— Juan B, Posted February 4, 2021When I first came in my shoulder had a very small amount of range of motion. Most movement with the shoulder created some severe pain. Since doing this therapy, increased my range of motion and just have minor pain with just a few exercises. Definitely happy with my experience.
5 Stars
Juan B. 2020
— Donette S., Posted January 25, 2021I sustained a shoulder bursa tear and could not perform common movements to get dressed, or do simple household chores without pain. My range of motion improved significantly. The staff are so kind and therapists are fun and competent. Thank you all for improving my quality of life!
Donette S. 2021
5 Stars
— Jay N., Posted January 18, 2021My experience at Rock Run was excellent. Everyone has a great attitude. Things were explained to me as to what we were working on and how it helped me. I felt very good about my workouts. I would definitely return for other rehab issues in the future.
5 Stars
Jay N. 2020
Meet the Team
Brandon Hepner, PTPhysical Therapist/Owner
Brandon Hepner, PTPhysical Therapist/Owner
Brandon Hepner, PT
Physical Therapist/Owner
Brandon received his Bachelor of Science at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan in 1997. His emphasis was primarily on Exercise Science. For most of his undergrad years, Brandon worked as an Athletic Trainer for men’s ice hockey and women’s basketball. Once graduated, Brandon went right on to earn his Master’s degree in Physical Therapy.
After graduating in 2000, Brandon was the Head Athletic Trainer for Weber State University Hockey Club. Not only has he worked hard to keep injuries under control to keep the team playing, but also did what he loved best, treating patients. He landed his first Physical Therapist job at IHC WorkMed in Utah.
Given Brandon’s hard work and eagerness to continuously learn, he was promoted to Clinic Director after only one year of service. Not long after, he moved onto a new experience with North View Therapy. This was not enough, and did not satisfy his need to give more to his patients the way he intended. The solution for him was to go into private practice.
Today, he has achieved his dream and is the proud owner of Rock Run Physical Therapy & Rehab Specialists. Brandon is able to spend more time with each patient and deliver more personalized care to each patient that walks through his door. Brandon is excited to see the new challenges that will cross his path and looks forward to optimizing your human performance.
Brenda Hogge, DPTPhysical Therapist / Clinic Director – Syracuse
Brenda Hogge, DPTPhysical Therapist / Clinic Director – Syracuse
Brenda Hogge, DPT
Physical Therapist / Clinic Director – Syracuse
Brenda graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Salt Lake Community College in 1999, and worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 8 years. In 2004, she went back to school and Graduated from the University of Utah with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007. She has worked in the out-patient, home health, transitional rehab, and hospital settings. Brenda joined our team at Rock Run in February 2014 and is now treating patients at our Syracuse location. Outside of work, Brenda enjoys going to REAL Salt Lake games, playing soccer, playing golf, riding her bike, and watching her boys play sports.
Joshua Brown, DPTPhysical Therapist / Clinic Director – Roy
Joshua Brown, DPTPhysical Therapist / Clinic Director – Roy
Joshua Brown, DPT
Physical Therapist / Clinic Director – Roy
Josh graduated from the University of Utah with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007 and immediately came to work at Rock Run Physical Therapy. He is very friendly and enjoys seeing his patients’ progress toward achieving their functional goals. When not at work, Josh enjoys spending time with his kids, playing basketball, and watching the Utah Jazz.
Jerrin Snook, DPTPhysical Therapist / Clinic Director – Layton
Jerrin Snook, DPTPhysical Therapist / Clinic Director – Layton
Jerrin Snook, DPT
Physical Therapist / Clinic Director – Layton
Bailee Himmer, PTAPhysical Therapist Assistant
Bailee Himmer, PTAPhysical Therapist Assistant
Bailee Himmer, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Amanda Embry, PTAPhysical Therapist Assistant
Amanda Embry, PTAPhysical Therapist Assistant
Amanda Embry, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Amanda graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program at Salt Lake Community College in 2016, and has joined our team at Rock Run Physical Therapy. She has experience in outpatient, hospital, and rehabilitation settings. Amanda was inspired to become a PTA after she was injured in a rock climbing accident and had to spend a year doing physical therapy to recover.
Through this experience, she realized being able to move and function normally is an essential element to happiness and enjoying a good quality life. As a PTA, Amanda hopes to help patients achieve their maximum mobility and return to doing the things they enjoy. She aspires to continue her education in advanced treatments and knowledge to help her physical therapy patients. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys swimming, boating, camping, movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Brittnee Webster, PTAPhysical Therapist Assistant
Brittnee Webster, PTAPhysical Therapist Assistant
Brittnee Webster, PTA
Physical Therapist Assistant
Hi everyone! Some of you might know me from the time I spent here at Rock Run as an aide for the Syracuse location. I left Rock Run for a short stint to finish my Physical Therapist Assistant degree, which I completed this last December.
Let me share a little bit about myself for those of you who haven’t had the chance to meet me yet. I love being outside! Especially when it’s the perfect temperature, which doesn’t happen too often here in Utah, so spring and fall are my favorite seasons with more of those perfect temperature days in them. I’m partial to the month of March mostly because it’s my birthday month, and trust me I celebrate all month long. Physical Therapy was not my original career path. I first went to school at Weber state and graduated with a degree in Interior Design. So if you ask me my favorite color, my response would usually be that I love color in general and it’s hard to choose just one. However, I usually lean toward yellow because of its bright and sunny disposition. Let me know if you have any ideas on how to incorporate interior design and physical therapy together. I have a total of eight nieces and nephews currently, and I love spending time with them because they make life fun. I love adventures and exploring, and I’m looking forward to being able to travel more now that I have finished school. If you have any suggestions of places I should visit let me know.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to re-introduce myself. I am so glad that the stars aligned and I was able to return to the Rock Run team! I look forward to working with many of you in the future. As Tigger would say, “TTFN”.
Don Carter, ATCCertified Athletic Trainer
Don Carter, ATCCertified Athletic Trainer
Don Carter, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Don is our Certified Athletic Trainer and has been with Rock Run Physical Therapy since opening in July 2006. He helps with all aspects of patient care including helping with exercises. Don has over 25 years experience as an Athletic Trainer and uses that knowledge to help you in your rehabilitation. Don works for Rock Run in the mornings and then in the afternoons goes to Fremont High School, where he is the Head Athletic Trainer for their sports teams. Don enjoys working out, working in his yard, and gardening.
BethFront Desk Coordinator
BethFront Desk Coordinator
Beth
Front Desk Coordinator
FREE Community Wellness Workshops
Rock Run Physical Therapy offers FREE Workshops to help educate the community on a variety of subjects. They have been very well received and seats fill up fast! All the Workshops are educational, interactive, and entertaining. At the workshops, you will get to meet people who are having the same questions and problems as you AND you will get to have your questions answered!
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