Cleveland Guardians Enhance Recovery with New SwimEx Hydrotherapy Room

The Cleveland Guardians have significantly upgraded their recovery facilities by installing a new SwimEx® 1000 T therapy pool, complete with dedicated hot and cold plunge areas. This enhancement is part of a larger renovation project costing approximately $200 million, which aims to double the clubhouse’s hydrotherapy space and streamline access for players.

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the renovated hydrotherapy room now supports a comprehensive approach to player recovery and conditioning throughout the demanding 162-game Major League Baseball season. The previous setup centered around a SwimEx 600 T pool, primarily used for recovery. The new configuration includes the upgraded SwimEx 1000 T and expands the facility’s capabilities to incorporate active strengthening exercises.

Improved Facilities for Enhanced Player Support

The redesigned hydrotherapy space is now utilized by an estimated 80% to 85% of the Guardians’ roster. This facility not only facilitates recovery but also integrates active training techniques. Athletic training staff employ the new pool for various rehabilitation methods, including underwater running, agility drills, and contrast therapy sessions that combine hot and cold plunges.

On game days, players can transition from the showers to the hydrotherapy room within minutes, ensuring that recovery protocols are efficiently executed. The room is designed to accommodate 8 to 14 players simultaneously, with dedicated areas for hot and cold plunges allowing optimal rotations for effective treatment.

Lonnie Soloff, the Senior Vice President of Medical Services for the Cleveland Guardians, emphasized the importance of the hydrotherapy room in their daily operations. “Hydrotherapy is one of the busiest rooms in our facility, so we needed a setup we could count on every day of a 162-game season,” Soloff stated. He noted that the renovated space enables a seamless integration of recovery and preparation routines.

Collaboration for Effective Implementation

SwimEx collaborated closely with the Guardians, the general contractor, and an authorized installer to ensure the successful integration of the new hydrotherapy features. This involved meticulous planning to navigate existing infrastructure and maintain accessibility for staff and players alike.

Suzanne Vaughan, President and Owner of SwimEx, expressed satisfaction with the project’s outcomes. “From the start, our focus was on helping the Guardians’ staff get a hydrotherapy room that behaves like dependable infrastructure,” Vaughan explained. The installation process included training for staff on pool operation, water chemistry, and routine maintenance, ensuring that the facility remains operational and effective.

The hydrotherapy layout is strategically designed to facilitate easy movement for players and staff, with clear sightlines enabling supervision of multiple athletes at once. This thoughtful design helps maintain the flow of treatment and enhances the overall effectiveness of the recovery process.

As the Guardians embark on the upcoming MLB season, the newly renovated hydrotherapy room stands as a testament to their commitment to player health and performance. With cutting-edge facilities and a focus on recovery and active training, the Guardians are well-positioned to support their athletes in achieving peak performance throughout the season.

For more detailed information about the Cleveland Guardians’ hydrotherapy room project, including its layout and daily use, interested parties can visit the SwimEx website.