Exercise is a vital part of any arthritis treatment program. It helps stabilize and strengthen the joints, preventing future damage. For people suffering from Osteoarthritis, a condition of the joints, the pain brought on by regular exercise can be unbearable. Water therapy is an incredible option for patients with hip osteoarthritis, Osteoarthritis of the knees, and spinal Osteoarthritis due to the decreased pressure placed on the joints.

To get started, find the best swimming school that offers Arthritis Therapy Oro Valley. Read on to learn more about Osteoarthritis and how swimming helps! 

Osteoarthritis and its causes

Osteoarthritis, common as we age, occurs when joint cartilage wears away. This causes pain and stiffness. This causes many symptoms to happen, including:

• joint deformity or instability
• joint stiffness
• reduced range of movement
• weak muscles
• pain
• swelling
• difficulty in walking.

Several factors can possibly increase the risk of developing Osteoarthritis. These may include increased age, inactivity, overweight, and previous injury or trauma.

Pain usually gets worse in the morning, while standing up after having been sat down for long hours, and when weight-bearing ( like walking and climbing the stairs). To help patients, several treatments are available, such as physiotherapy, injections, analgesia (pain relief), and eventually joint replacement surgery if necessary.

Joint replacement is the last treatment available, and it is recommended that you try conservative treatment initially. It usually involves referral to a physiotherapist, who would assess your joint and create a treatment plan based on the symptoms.

The power of physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for Osteoarthritis has many elements-

• education
• Exercise
• lifestyle modification advice
• manual therapy
• electrotherapy

Exercise is essential for treating Osteoarthritis. It helps loosen stiff joints, strengthens the heart and lungs, and builds up the muscles around joints. When your muscles get stronger, they can ease the strain on your joints and reduce pain.

There are different ways to exercise, like working out one-on-one with someone or joining group exercise classes. These options make it easier to stay active and feel better.

Aquatic therapy: working out in water

Aquatic therapy can benefit anyone who exercises on land, which is difficult or too painful. It offers many benefits to health and the symptoms of Osteoarthritis, including:

• reducing pain
• reducing swelling
• Aiding relaxation
• reducing stiffness
• improving range of motion
• increasing muscle strength

These are some great reasons to consider joining Arthritis Therapy Oro Valley.

The primary difference between exercising in water and on land is the effect of buoyancy. Buoyancy is like a lifting force that pushes up on things in the water, countering gravity. When you’re in water up to your waist, you only feel about half of your weight compared to being on land.

So, walking and doing exercises in the pool is less painful because there’s less pressure on your joints.

Best Types of Aquatic Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Some fun and engaging options for aquatic therapy include:

• Water Aerobics simulates various activities like running, walking, skiing, and dancing, providing joint activation without gravity-induced pressure.
• Pool Yoga: Utilizes water’s weightlessness to facilitate stretching, releasing muscle tension and promoting joint fluidity.
• Hydro-spinning (Aqua Cycling) is stationary biking in water that combines aerobic exercise with joint relief. It is especially beneficial for knees and hips.
• Aquatic Weight-Training: Uses foam weights and water resistance for strength-building without strain on joints.
• Ai Chi: Adapts Tai Chi principles to water, focusing on slow movements, relaxation, and strength-building to support joints while enhancing fluidity.

Do you want to start feeling great with these effective swimming programs? Find the best swimming school for Arthritis Therapy Oro Valley today!

Releasing other pressures

Pain isn’t just about what you feel physically. Other things like stress or anxiety influence it. When stressed, our body’s “fight or flight” response kicks in, which can worsen pain.

Being in warm water calms this response, helping reduce pain and make us feel more relaxed. Also, the temperature and pressure of the water stimulate nerves in our body, which can block some of the pain signals going to our brain.

Aquatic therapy, like water exercise, can help ease pain and improve your life, no matter where you are in Osteoarthritis. It can make a big difference if you’re new to exercise, have been in pain for a while, are getting ready for surgery, or are recovering.

The bottom line

If you’re seeking relief from age-old Osteoarthritis pain, consider exploring aquatic therapy at Saguaro Aquatics. With expert-led classes for Arthritis Therapy Oro Valley, you’ll find relief and rejuvenation for your mind and body. By engaging in aquatic therapy, you can stay active while experiencing water’s gentle, soothing effects, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Don’t suffer from Osteoarthritis pain—dive into aquatic therapy today and discover the benefits for yourself!