Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
For centuries, water has been used for both recreational and therapeutic purposes. Today, new technologies and treatment protocols have given water a new importance in the fields of Physical and Occupational Therapy.
Aquatic therapy is a subspecialty of physical and occupational therapy that uses water for rehabilitation. A patient can regain motion at a quicker pace and with less pain if aquatics are incorporated into the rehabilitation program.
Water is an excellent exercise medium for a wide variety of patients. Its natural buoyancy allows freedom of movement without jarring or straining the body. Its natural resistance encourages strengthening of the muscles, and its unique properties alleviate pain and facilitate ambulation skills. The physical properties of water make it a highly desirable medium for treating pain and musculo-skeletal injuries. Some of the most important properties are:
Buoyancy
Buoyancy takes the weight off of our joints, so people with flexibility problems can move in ways they usually can't on land. Those with limited movement due to arthritis or obesity can get a cardiovascular workout without the risk of jarring joints or falling. Buoyancy can be increased with the use of floats.
Viscosity
Resists movement by means of friction, allowing strengthening and conditioning of an injury, while reducing the risk of further injury due to loss of balance.
Hydrostatic pressure
The hydrostatic pressure of water reduces swelling and inflammation in joints, making workouts easier and less painful.
Together, these properties allow development of a therapeutic exercise regimen that controls such critical factors as the weight placed on the spine and risk of injury due to unintended movements.
Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy offers an effective therapy choice for patients with rehabilitation needs or developmental disorders. Aquatic therapy aids in pain reduction, muscle strength, joint flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and ambulation skills. Programs are beneficial for those who have:
- Traumatic injuries
- Chronic pain
- Athletic injuries
- Bone, joint, or muscle disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Impairments
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Connective tissue diseases
- Orthopedic injuries
- Work related injuries
- Pregnancy and post-pregnancy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Stroke
- Sport's injuries
Aquatic Therapy vs. land exercises
Buoyancy of water decreases weight-bearing on the body, makes stretching easier, movements less painful, allows earlier intervention to prevent surgery after surgery or injury, works on balance and postural muscles and allows for active participation. Hydrostatic pressure decreases swelling. The amount of work done by the patient can be increased or decreased by utilizing the properties of the water. Thirty minutes of water aerobic exercise is equal to one hour of land aerobic exercise.
Compare the following estimates of caloric consumption for a 30-minute workout:
Land walking = 135 calories
Water walking = 264 calories
Jogging on land = 240 calories
Jogging in water = 340 calories
Aquatic Therapy and Athletics
Aquatic therapy can bring dramatic results in treating athletic injuries. When athletes are sidelined they lose not only physical conditioning, but also mental acuteness. If they are unable to compete for an extended period of time, the physical loss is tremendous. Reaction time diminishes, coordination and balance decline, muscular strength and tone decrease, cardio respiratory conditioning decreases, and agility is diminished.
Whether it is a pitching arm that has developed shoulder impingement problems, a pulled hamstring, or a knee surgery, the water can help. Wraps have been developed to protect open wounds from the water, allowing athletes a training/rehabilitation option the day of surgery.
*Patients do not have to know how to swim as individualized programs can be performed adequately in standing or seated position