Aquatic therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years. A wide variety of people can benefit from warm water therapy, from joint replacement patients to those with chronic pain.
If you think aquatic therapy might be right for you but aren’t sure, we’ll guide you through the biggest benefits to aquatic therapy.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is very similar to regular physical therapy. The only difference is it takes place in a pool. It’s also referred to as hydrotherapy, pool therapy, and water rehabilitation.
A certified instructor will guide your body through gentle exercises, using the resistance of the water to help strengthen your muscles. Most Medicare plans cover aqua therapy as well.
The Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Hydrotherapy is great for the whole body. If you have any conditions that inhibit movement or cause chronic pain, performing physical therapy in warm water could be right for you.
Builds Muscle Strength and Endurance
The water provides natural resistance to your movements. The resistance is gentler than if you were using weights or resistance bands. It also makes you less likely to injure or overexert yourself.
Through hydrotherapy, you can build strength in a gentle way. If you need to build muscle after a surgery or injury, aquatic therapy is a great idea.
Increases Flexibility
Floating in warm water makes it easier for your joints to go through their full range of motion. It makes you more flexible and comfortable, and it soothes tight muscles and helps you to relax when sore.
Encourages Healthy Circulation
Due to the water’s resistance and compression, aquatic therapy will improve your circulation. The warm water helps regulate body temperature as well, encouraging healthy function. Improved circulation will also lead to decreased inflammation in the body.
Keeps You Buoyant
The water boosting you up eases the strain on joints. This is the biggest advantage that hydrotherapy has over land-based methods. By supporting your weight, the water makes it easier to go through your full range of motion.
With some of the stress on your joints relieved, you can experience the full benefit of physical therapy with lower risk.
Assists Mobility
The long-term benefits of aquatic therapy are undeniable. People with low mobility can regain their comfort and freedom through hydrotherapy. By strengthening muscles without putting stress on your joints, aquatic therapy can help you get your body back.
See if Aquatic Therapy is Right for You
There are myriad benefits to aquatic therapy, more than can be discussed with a single blog post. However, we hope we’ve answered your first questions and made you more interested in hydrotherapy. This process is an accessible way to improve your health, ease anxiety and depression, and get your body back.
If you think aquatic therapy is right for you, give us a call. At Sholom we pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line service to all patients. Don’t hesitate to contact us and ask any other questions you may have.
