Why Aquatic Therapy?
Physical therapists often use aquatic therapy for patients who may not be able to perform or participate in more physical forms of exercise or therapy. But why aquatic therapy? Because water therapies use the body’s own weight as resistance, there is less pressure and stress on the joints. This type of therapy allows the body to regain its strength gradually and without risk of re-injuring the area or causing new trauma.
Who Can Benefit From Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is beneficial for patients who suffer from various types of disabilities that prevent them from exercising in more traditional ways. The water helps to support the body offering buoyancy and allowing the person to float. Patients who have been weakened by disease can use aquatic therapy to begin to regain their strength. It can also be helpful for patients who have been unable to move certain joints and muscles because of casts or braces. The warmth of the water also helps to soothe the pain and discomfort that certain types of movements can cause patients who have severe forms of arthritis or degenerative bone conditions.
How Does Aquatic Therapy Work?
Aquatic therapy works because it allows the body to work using its own resources. The water offers equal resistance in terms of how much force the body uses to move through it. Individuals can move as much or as little as their body allows and still receive some benefit from the action. Almost any type of activity can be performed in the water. They can run in place, perform calisthenics, and even do many different yoga positions. Swimming helps to improve endurance, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and increase flexibility and range of motion, all without stressing injured areas of the body.
Aquatic Therapy as Rehab
When used appropriately, aquatic therapy can actually speed up the healing process and allow for a more complete recovery. This can be extremely helpful for patients who need rehabilitation. Because it doesn’t increase the patient’s risk of re-injury, a patient can perform aquatic therapy on a daily basis. Consistency increases the patient’s strength and helps them maintain or increase their current level of activity. Aquatic therapy can also be done in conjunction with physical therapy.
While aquatic therapy isn’t for everyone, it does offer an abundance of benefits for patients who enjoy being in the water. Many find it relaxing and often prefer it to other types of exercise. An additional benefit is that it also helps to burn extra calories. This can allow for the loss of excess weight that can slow down the healing process.
Interested in Aquatic Therapy? Read more about Aquatic Therapy services at STI Rehab.
