Senior Aquatic Therapy & Water Exercise

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Startup Cost
$8,000-$40,000
Difficulty
Intermediate
Time to Profit
6-12 months
Profit Potential
$60,000-$290,000/year

Overview

Senior aquatic programs provide water exercise and therapy taking advantage of buoyancy and resistance for seniors with arthritis and joint limitations.

With water exercise ideal for aging bodies and 27+ million arthritis sufferers, programs generate revenue of $95,000-$340,000 with 70-85% margins.

The business requires aquatic fitness or therapy certification, warm water pool access, specialized equipment, and lifeguard.

Services include arthritis water exercise, post-rehab aquatic therapy, balance and gait training in water, deep water running, aquatic Tai Chi, and hydrotherapy.

Pricing typically $12-$25 per class or therapy sessions $60-$100.

Success factors include warm water pool access (therapeutic warmth), aquatic therapy or fitness certification, working with arthritis and orthopedic patients, understanding aquatic adaptations, and partnering with rehab facilities.

Marketing focuses on arthritis patients, orthopedic rehab, and physicians.

With water exercise ideal for aging bodies and arthritis prevalent in 2025, aquatic programs offer low-impact opportunities promoting pain-free movement.

Required Skills

  • Aquatic fitness or therapy certification
  • Understanding arthritis and joint issues
  • Pool safety and lifeguard
  • Aquatic exercise progression
  • Warm water benefits
  • Rehab coordination

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Ideal for aging bodies with arthritis
  • Good class margins
  • Medical and rehab referrals
  • Low injury risk
  • Growing arthritis prevalence

Cons

  • Warm water pool access critical
  • Certification required
  • Facility rental costs
  • Lifeguard requirements
  • Seasonal outdoor pools

How to Get Started

  1. Get aquatic fitness certification
  2. Secure warm water pool access
  3. Develop arthritis-focused curriculum
  4. Partner with rehab facilities
  5. Target arthritis and joint patients
  6. Get liability insurance
  7. Market therapeutic warmth benefits

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