As a key feature of the new Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre (TCSRC), opening at Trent University this month, the state-of-the-art and versatile aquatic therapy pool is the only one of its kind in the region and will offer an unprecedented rehabilitation and training experience for a variety of users and clients from elite athletes to persons with disabilities.

“Our hydrotherapy pool and accompanying rehabilitation program run through Trent Health in Motion will definitely put the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre on the map,” says Bill Byrick, director of Athletics at Trent. “As the only therapy pool of its kind between Toronto and Ottawa, it is another fine addition to our athletic program that will position the new centre at Trent University as a leader in athletic and fitness excellence.”

The Swimex Pool for Physical Therapy, Rehab and Sports Conditioning is a versatile aquatic therapy, conditioning and hydrotherapy rehabilitation pool. From aquatic therapy and conditioning for athletes and sports teams to hydrotherapy pool rehab and recovery of post surgical and orthopaedic conditions, Swimex extends the range of therapy and sports medicine treatments to a broader range of clients.

“The Swimex Pool will be used by a variety of groups and people of all ages and abilities,” says Lori Neill, business director for Trent Health in Motion. “Our therapists with advanced training including aquatic rehabilitation specialist certification and our unique equipment can support low-impact rehabilitation and conditioning for indications like: total joint replacement, , soft tissue sprain, strains and tears, arthritis , stroke recovery and other neurological conditions, , and lymphedema in breast cancer patients. And for members of our community dealing with back pain and more chronic or complicated conditions, the pool offers welcome pain relief. In addition, the wheelchair lift provides great accessibility and all of the various state-of-the-art features offer a range of rehabilitation options when working with our clients.”

The 10 foot by 14 foot pool is heated and is equipped with a series of mechanisms to allow members to move freely in the therapy process, including: an underwater paddle wheel and jets providing significant thrust to jog or swim against the water flow; a wheelchair lift to move participants in and out of the water easily and comfortably; an underwater treadmill and stationary bike; and different depths to assist in the progress of exercise or therapy.

In the Swimex Pool, a powerful and consistent wall-of-water can be created to provide resistance for swimming, exercise or therapy. At the touch of a button, a swimmer, coach or therapist will be able to change the pool counter-current from inside or outside the pool to allow for a personalized training or rehabilitation experience.

For Cody Anne Field, a client of the new TCSRC, the pool offers freedom from her daily struggle with Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. Hydrotherapy helps Cody to relax her muscles and gain increased range of motion, slowing down her scoliosis. “In the pool, Cody feels free both in spirit and in body,” says Sue Field, Cody’s mother, who is thrilled with the addition of the therapy pool to the TCSRC. “The pleasure of seeing Cody in the warm pool with a smile on her face from ear to ear can’t be measured.”

Now open, the new Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre offers the community a full-spectrum of indoor and outdoor athletics and recreation experiences unparalleled anywhere in the region. As the only athletics and recreation facility in the growing north end of the City of Peterborough, the centre will provide vital wellness services to all residents, including seniors and older adults, children, youth-at-risk, persons with disabilities, and the local workforce. In addition to the Swimex therapy pool, other unique and innovative features of the Centre include: North America’s most advanced indoor rowing/paddling tank; an indoor climbing wall, 12,000 sq. ft. cardio loft and weight room, and a complete makeover of the pool. An official opening of the new Centre will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. during the 40th anniversary of Head of the Trent.

Supporting the renewal and expansion of the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre is the $4 million Sport, Recreation & Wellness for All Campaign. This campaign is part of a $16 million Board of Governors-approved plan for new construction and refurbishment at the University. For more information about the campaign and the Trent Community Sport & Recreation Centre, visit the website.