Insight Comprehensive Therapy – If you are looking for a safe and effective way to treat chronic pain without surgery, are recovering from injuries and conditions such as stroke, or have been diagnosed with certain musculoskeletal disorders, you may be an ideal candidate for aquatic pool therapy. Used in combination with traditional treatments like physical and occupational therapy, aquatic therapy offers many advantages to patients, including safety for patients and therapists, greater mobility, and less pain for people who have limited ability participating in higher intensity treatments. People of all ages and a wide range of conditions can benefit from aquatic therapy. Whether you have chronic pain, an injury, or are recovering from surgery, here are six ways aquatic pool therapy can enhance your rehabilitation and recovery.
Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Pool Therapy?
Aquatic pool therapy is a safe low-impact alternative to traditional land-based therapy and is used to treat a wide range of conditions. Your physical therapist may recommend aquatic therapy for the following conditions of injuries:
- Back Pain & Spinal Disorders
- Balance Disorders
- Chronic Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Disorders
- Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
- Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
- Sports Injuries
Benefits of Aquatic Pool Therapy
Reduced Pain
One of the biggest advantages patients will experience with aquatic therapy is a noticeable reduction in pain. Unlike traditional physical therapy that can put added pressure on the joints, the buoyancy and warmth of the water reduces stress on weight-bearing joints and muscles. It is common for patients to experience fewer aches, pains, swelling, and muscle spasms following water therapy. When used together with other treatments like home exercises, patients can also expect to see faster results.
Improved Range of Motion
Water is the best medium to support and assist movement. This is because water provides safe resistance, working against the muscles and joints while you move so you can regain strength and improve range of motion. During rehabilitation, patients will often use a variety of equipment like noodles and weights to help build flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Over time, confidence and ability to move will continue to improve and patients will be able to transition to more land-based therapies.
Better Balance & Coordination
Improving balance and coordination is one of the most common reasons for patients to seek physical therapy. Aquatic pool therapy is an excellent way for patients to safely get results and meet their goals, especially in people recovering from injuries or neurological conditions. The instability and resistance patients experience in water leads to better brain-body connections. Together with other therapies, patients can expect to see significant improvement. Like with range of motion, this environment also helps people regain confidence as they work to rebuild strength.
Lower Risk of Injury
Safety is an important factor for anyone about to begin physical therapy. It is not uncommon for patients experiencing pain or recovering from injuries to worry about potential setbacks caused by falls or pushing themselves beyond their limits. Fortunately, water is one of the best ways to minimize these risks. By working in a safe and controlled water environment, patients experience less risk of getting injured stretching and using weights. Another plus is the delayed onset of inflammation and soreness that patients experience when working in warm water.
Enhanced Circulation
Improved circulation is an additional benefit of aquatic pool therapy that can lead to faster results. While working in warm water, the body’s muscles begin to relax. This allows blood flow to better reach the injured areas of the body and expedite the healing process. Better circulation can be particularly beneficial for patients experiencing arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, and similar pain.
Aquatic Therapy is Enjoyable
Perhaps the biggest benefit of aquatic pool therapy is how enjoyable it is for patients. For people experiencing pain or limited mobility, the thought of any treatment that could cause further discomfort is discouraging. However, therapists are dedicated to making water therapy engaging and enjoyable. Patients are likely to leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and with improved outlook and confidence.
Whether you are experiencing pain or are recovering from an injury or surgery, aquatic pool therapy offers many advantages. If you think you could benefit from water therapy and are interested in learning more, contact Insight Comprehensive Therapy today.
FAQ
Q: What types of exercises are used in aquatic pool therapy?
A: The types of exercises used in aquatic pool therapy vary and will be determined based on your condition and ability. Common exercises include water walking, balancing on one leg, kicks, arm raises, and sidestepping.
Q: Should aquatic pool therapy be avoided for certain conditions or injuries?
A: Yes. Although aquatic pool therapy is beneficial for many people, there are some instances where it should be avoided. People with open wounds, compromised immune systems, certain cardiac conditions, fever, and a history of seizures may be advised to avoid aquatic pool therapy.
Q: Are there age restrictions for aquatic pool therapy?
A: Aquatic pool therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages, including children and senior citizens. There are also no swimming skills required to participate in water therapy.