Aquatic physical therapy is a form of physical therapy performed in a well-equipped pool or other managed water environment. It is used with land-based therapies to cope and recover from various conditions. Water’s buoyant, soothing properties offer low resistance, making it ideal for people with pain who find it difficult to perform specific exercises.
Read on to learn about the benefits of hydrotherapy for patients of all ages and abilities. Also, find the details of expert-led classes for aquatic therapy Tucson by the end of the blog.
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is more than just swimming in the pool. It is a safe and effective therapy using evidence-based techniques to help patients move and feel better. As with any physical therapy plan, aquatic therapy is done under the supervision of a licensed instructor and follows a custom treatment plan depending on the patient’s goals.
Aquatic physical therapy is recommended with traditional physical therapy for those whose symptoms need a gentle, supportive exercise environment.
Key benefits of aquatic physical therapy
1. Lowers Fall Risk
Some patients with trouble with balance and stability may not be suitable for land-based physical therapy. Yet, water therapy can reduce the risk of falls and fall injuries, enabling them to exercise and rehabilitate safely in a controlled environment.
2. Helps With Balance and Coordination
Aquatic therapy helps patients reduce their risk of falls outside the pool by improving coordination and balance. Water slows down movement and stops falls. It gives patients time to regain posture if they get off balance.
Research on hydrotherapy shows its potential benefits. As older patients improve their balance and recovery, they fear less of falling less and improve their confidence during swimming class.
3. Reduces Stress on Joints and Bones
Did you know? While the patient is immersed in the neck, water reduces nearly 90% of body weight. The buoyancy reduces the stress on weight-bearing muscles, bones, and joints. It is ideal for anyone with a musculoskeletal condition or injury that makes landing on a hard surface painful or unsafe.
4. Builds Muscle Strength and Endurance
As the water density is higher than air, it takes more effort to do the same exercise in water than on land. This increases the patients’ muscle strength as they push against the water in a low-impact environment that does not stress bones and tissues.
If you want to experience these benefits for yourself, check out the classes for Aquatic Physical Therapy Tucson.
5. Increases Aerobic Capacity
Exercise improves aerobic ability and breathing, which is great for overall health. Aerobic exercise reduces the risk of coronary artery disease and helps to balance blood pressure. This benefits patients who require aerobic activity but have pain and mobility issues, making land-based workouts challenging.
6. Improves Joint Flexibility
Water is favorable for a greater range of motion in stiff joints. Warm water relaxes muscles that offload joint tension, allowing them to move comfortably. Movement is medicine for anyone with arthritis and other joint conditions, making aqua therapy a viable option for safe and gentle exercise.
7. Reduces Swelling
Any fluid exerts hydrostatic pressure in a confined space. During hydrotherapy, water exerts hydrostatic pressure on the body, which increases circulation and reduces swelling. This, in turn, reduces joint stiffness and increases mobility.
What Conditions Can Benefit From Aquatic Physical Therapy?
Aquatic physical therapy is generally used to treat the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Balance disorders
- Post-operative conditions
- Sports injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Stroke
- Tendinitis
- Joint pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Orthopedic injuries
- Parkinson’s disease
- Bursitis
- Chronic pain
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
Who Should Not Perform Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is not for everyone. Depending on the individual, some with cardiac disease may not be ideal to participate in aquatic therapy. Those who have fevers, infections, or inconsistent bowel movement are also not fit for aquatic therapy. Always discuss this with your physician before enrolling in an aquatic therapy program.
If you cannot swim, you must only participate in pool therapy if your PT knows you lack swimming knowledge and can assist you.
If you have an injury or illness causing a limitation in functional mobility, you can greatly benefit from a physical therapist to help you recover fully. Aquatic therapy can help you fully return to your baseline mobility and get back to your normal activity level.
The bottom line
Join Saguaro Aquatics, offering the most effective aquatic therapy Tucson. Their experts are friendly and experienced, ready to help you with simple and effective techniques. Enroll in their instructor-led classes to move better and enjoy life more. Improve your mobility and quality of life with Saguaro Aquatics today!
