 | Aquatic Therapy |
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Pool therapy consists of an exercise program that is completed in the water. Aquatic therapy is beneficial for a variety of medical conditions from arthritis to fibromyalgia. Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water such as buoyancy and viscosity to assist in patient healing and exercise performance.
While under water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight bearing and stress placed on the joints. By decreasing the amount of joint stress it is easier and less painful to perform exercises and this can be extremely beneficial for patients with arthritis or are overweight.
The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need of weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that can not be experienced on land.
The warm water experience during aquatic therapy assists in relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.
Aquatic therapy is not for everyone. People who have fevers, infections, or bowel/bladder incontinence are not candidates for aquatic therapy. Always discuss this with your physician before beginning an aquatic therapy program.
While under water, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight bearing and stress placed on the joints. By decreasing the amount of joint stress it is easier and less painful to perform exercises and this can be extremely beneficial for patients with arthritis or are overweight.
The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need of weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that can not be experienced on land.
The warm water experience during aquatic therapy assists in relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.
Aquatic therapy is not for everyone. People who have fevers, infections, or bowel/bladder incontinence are not candidates for aquatic therapy. Always discuss this with your physician before beginning an aquatic therapy program.
