The Benefits Of Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is a way for physical therapists to help patients get better from a range of different injuries and chronic conditions. Many patients report on how good they feel after exercising in the water. That’s because water has natural therapeutic properties that support patients in managing symptoms like pain and swelling.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Mechanicsburg, our physical therapists want to help our patients experience the benefits of aquatic therapy in Mechanicsburg. Dive in to learn more.
How Aquatic Therapy Works
Exercising in the water is completely different to exercising on land. It’s often safer and more comfortable for patients because of the way the water supports the body throughout each session. The effectiveness of aquatic therapy stems from the unique properties of water:
Easier To Exercise
Exercising in the water is easier for patients. That’s because there is less gravity to contend with. Buoyancy creates a floating effect that helps support the weight of the body.
When patients start to float in the water, it supports the joints and makes it easier to move. Depending on what depth the physical therapist guides patients to, the water can support all or part of the body weight during each exercise. Patients find they can exercise more and longer without as much pain or difficulty.
Reduces Painful Symptoms
Patients also find it easier to exercise in water because it reduces pain and swelling due to the hydrostatic pressure of the water. While land exercises may aggravate painful symptoms and lead to stiffness, water supports the body.
This helps with circulation and patients find their injury becomes less painful and swollen after working out in the water. Physical therapists use this for conditions like arthritis or for those recovering from surgery.
Naturally Resists Movement
Water exercise is also a great way to build strength. That’s because water naturally provides resistance to movement.
Physical therapists take advantage of this property to challenge certain muscle groups, such the muscles that bend and straighten the knee. This resistance is particularly beneficial for patients who struggle to build strength and endurance on land.
Water is easy on the joints while still being effective at challenging the muscles for patients in the way they need.
The Benefits Of Exercising In The Water
Aquatic therapy offers many benefits for the body, heart, and mind. However, to gain the most from aquatic therapy, it’s essential to get help from a trained aquatic physical therapist. They can ensure the exercises are performed correctly to get these benefits from the water.
At FYZICAL, our physical therapists can help patients get benefits like:
1. It Helps Patients Feel Stronger
Unlike land-based therapies and exercises, water naturally provides resistance to movement in all directions. This helps patients engage both small and big muscle groups in a low-impact way.
Physical therapists often opt for water exercises for patients recovering from injuries such as soft tissue injuries or surgery. For example, they may use exercises like leg extensions to target the hip and knee muscles that can be affected.
As a result, water resistance is one of the main reasons that aquatic therapy contributes to building muscle strength and endurance in the pool.
2. It Helps Patients Get More Flexibility
Certain conditions like osteoarthritis and hip or knee replacements can lead to stiffness and muscle tension. Water is a great way for patients to regain flexibility as the buoyancy of the water helps float the body weight and limbs.
Physical therapists make the most of this through gentle mobilisations stretches in the water. This allows patients to stretch more deeply, and can be a way to find relief from pain and stiffness both in and out of the water.
3. It Helps Manage Pain And Inflammation
Pain is a common complaint experienced by patients, especially during on-land rehabilitation. As the hydrostatic pressure provides a compressive effect on the body, it can actually help with pain and inflammation. Additionally, this pressure can help with circulation, reducing swelling and inflammation.
While many people think that water therapy is only beneficial for the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists also use water exercises for the heart and lungs too.
4. It’s Easier For Patients To Get Fit
Patients might assume that water makes it easier to exercise, and therefore think it doesn’t provide the same health benefits that exercising on land might.
But actually, the water resistance increases the effort of some exercises, meaning it can lead to better heart health. As a result, exercising in the water can be an alternative for patients who may struggle to workout in a land environment, like those with chronic joint issues.
5. It Helps Build Lung Capacity
Unlike on land, physical therapists can help patients perform high-intensity exercises in water in a low-impact way. For example, exercises like walking laps or increasing the speed of movement can help increase fitness.
Additionally, the exercises in the pool may also require breath control, teaching patients how to circulate air throughout the movements.
6. It Provides A Sense Of Relaxation
On-land exercise can be stressful for patients as it may increase stiffness and pain.In contrast, water can be soothing for sore muscles and joints.
As a result, it can be relaxing for patients in the water, particularly in the cool-down phase of the aquatic physical therapy session. Many patients look forward to getting into the water. This is because it provides both the physical benefits of exercise but also a relaxing environment to forget about the worries of the world and their limitations.
7. It Helps Improve Overall Well-Being
Injuries or chronic conditions can be frustrating as they change the way patients approach everyday life. Physical therapists support patients through regular exercises in the water, helping to promote movement and boost confidence, which can have a flow on effects throughout daily life.
However, it’s important to have support from a trained health professional as well. To experience the benefits of aquatic therapy, reach out to our Aquatic Therapy team in Mechanicsburg.
Who Is Aquatic Therapy For?
At FYZICAL, some of the specific conditions we use aquatic therapy for include:
- Patients with arthritis: Arthritis is a chronic condition where the joints become painful and inflamed. This often limits the mobility of patients and they may find it difficult to do even simple workouts like walking. Our FYZICAL therapists use aquatic therapy to provide low-impact, joint-friendly exercises for patients who might not be comfortable to exercise on land.
- Patients with muscle or ligament injuries: Injuries are common in sporting environments. Our FYZICAL therapists may take athletes into the water to rehabilitate injuries like a muscle strain or a torn ligament that can cause issues like lingering pain and stiffness. Aquatic therapy can help increase the speed of recovery without the risk of making the injury worse. This means athletes can get back to their sport faster and in better shape.
- Patients after surgery: Whether it's post-knee surgery or spinal surgery, patients often experience less pain and recover faster in the water. In some cases, it can even reduce the risk of complications, such as stiffness. Note, the surgeon must give the ok for each patient before they get into the water (to protect the surgical site).
- Patients recovering from stroke: For stroke patients, the road to recovery is often long and frustrating. Regaining control and function of limbs can be very challenging. Water-based therapy can help patients like this move more easily. It’s a safer and more supportive treatment environment for stroke patients looking to regain movement and balance again.
- Patients with neurological conditions: Depending on the type, some physical therapists use aquatic therapy for patients with neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy or kids with autism. Water may be able to help with managing symptoms and working on physical and cognitive challenges, especially when compared to land exercises.
The Importance Of Getting Properly Assessed Before Starting Aquatic Therapy
It's essential to get a proper assessment from a doctor before starting water exercises because it might not be for everyone. Some people don’t like water, and others might not be able to come in the water for things like wounds or infections.
In these situations, doctors can help patients get into a better treatment option for them, such as Pilates.
Getting The Most Out Of The Water
Patients are often more comfortable in the water because they are able to move more easily.
Reach out to FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers to find out how we can help your symptoms with aquatic physical therapy. Our physical therapy team in Mechanicsburg are here to help patients to achieve their health goals, both in and out of the water.