For patients with spinal conditions, water presents a “near-weightless” environment, where the spinal musculature can be exercised without the need to support an axial load. We often use pool therapy in the early phase of rehabilitation after a lumbar fusion (as early as three weeks postop once the incision is healed and watertight). We instruct patients to do self-directed deep water jogging several times per week with flotation support for 30-45 minutes per session. There are many indoor pools throughout the Treasure Valley (Nampa Rec Center, Boise and Caldwell YMCA’s, athletic clubs). We have also had good experience with patients in more rural areas using some of Idaho’s many commercial hot spring pools. Pool therapy can also be helpful as a form of low impact exercise for deconditioned patients with weight problems.