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!
— 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
— Kim M., Posted January 18, 2021I am so thrilled with my experience at Rock Run. After my injury I struggled to get the right care, and I’m so glad that I found you. Brenda, Bailey and JT have been AMAZING to work with. I know that without therapy I would still be struggling with pain, and I’m not sure if I would ever have been able to be doing as well as I am now. Thank You!
5 Stars
Kim M. 2020
— Dorothy N., Posted January 6, 2021I have been coming to Rock Run for six years now but last year I had reverse shoulder replacement in February and a knee replacement in July. I have been coming to therapy since March of this year. Josh has been my main therapist but all of them have worked with me. I’m very pleased with their treatments and helping me. I not only feel they are the best but have become very good friends with them all. They are kind, considerate and professional. Actually, I will miss them.
5 Stars
Dorothy N. 2020
— Mary S., Posted January 6, 2021Thank you so much! It was so painful to do most any movement especially after surgery. Now I’m walking, bending over and on my way to doing most whatever I want. I’m looking forward to many fun pain free activities. You’re all awesome, friendly and kind. I’ve really enjoyed my visits here.
Thanks for a Covid FREE environment!!
5 Stars
Mary S. 2020
— Donna B., Posted December 30, 2020I was so worried about physical therapy after my shoulder surgery. I had heard stories and thought I would be in constant pain. I’m so glad I was wrong! Brenda and Bailee were amazing and I was never uncomfortable or in pain. Not to mention they are awesome ladies. Everyone at Rock Run took great care of me. I am so glad I came here!
5 Stars
Donna B. 2020
— Terrance W., Posted December 11, 2020My experience at Rock Run has been amazing. I couldn’t have expected anything more out of physical therapy. Jerrin and Brittnee helped me gain my confidence back, and have helped me back to a level of activity I had been missing for over a year. Some days seemed like torture, which I’m sure they enjoyed, but it was absolutely worth it in the end.
5 Stars
-Terrance W.
— Monica B., Posted December 10, 2020I can’t stress enough how great everyone at Rock Run Physical Therapy has been. When I came to see them this time around, I was in so much pain, every step was excruciating and I couldn’t stand for more than 15 minutes at a time, and I was icing my foot for hours a day. Now I can stand and walk around for hours at a time with virtually no pain. I am able to play with my granddaughter and chase her around the house. I love Rock Run Physical Therapy this is the only place I will come to for physical therapy.
5 Stars
Monica B. 2020
— Darrel T., Posted November 30, 2020One day I awoke in the morning and found I could not walk upright, but pain in the lower back and joints felt debilitating. All day I worked to loosen up and straighten up but could not. So, I called Rock Run PT where I have found help for injuries and recovering from past surgery on my rotator cuff, and knee. Once again, the people at Rock Run were very kind and professional in assessing my needs and beginning a PT program that has reversed my bent over body to being fully functional again. Thankful for Josh, Don, Amanda, Brandon, the receptionists – all wonderful people who make Rock Run a positive experience for those who need it!
5 Stars
Darrel T. 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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