Aqua therapy is also known as water therapy. After practicing aqua therapy you will be doing things you thought were not possible. Aqua therapy is used in the treatment and rehabilitation of a variety of diseases and conditions, such as arthritis, injuries, post-surgery and disabilities.
Less Joint Impact
Exercises done in water are considered a low-impact activity. The water's natural buoyancy removes the stress and pressure off your muscles and joints, states the Mayo Clinic. Water provides a gentle way to exercise your joints, states the Arthritis Foundation. Exercises that caused too much joint stress on land, can be done in water. Lowering your joint stress level will help lower your pain level. Aqua therapy helps release endorphins, a natural pain killer.
Natural Resistance
Using aqua therapy will help you strengthen your muscles. Water's natural buoyancy helps you do resistance exercises. You feel a sense of weightlessness while in the water. On land, you would do resistance exercises by lifting or pushing weights, according to the National Institutes of Aging. Water provides resistance without the possibility of falling. Falling is a concern of many patients when exercising on land, especially if you elderly. The buoyancy also makes stretching easier.
Increase Joint Flexibility
Doing aqua therapy in warm water can increase the benefits. On land, your joints may be too stiff and painful to move. Aqua therapy may lessen your stiffness, decrease your pain level and make it easier to move your joints and improve your joint flexibility, according to the University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Warm water is used to help patients deal with arthritis, states the University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. For best results, the water temperature should be between 83 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat is not for everyone, so check with your doctor prior to starting warm water aqua therapy exercises.
Improve Aerobic Conditioning
Aqua therapy can improve your aerobic conditioning, states the Arthritis Foundation. Aerobics are also known as endurance exercises, states the National Institutes on Aging. Aerobic conditioning is important for your overall health as well as strengthening your cardiovascular health. Lower your blood pressure, improve your breathing and lung capacity, control your blood sugar, prevent future heart attacks and keep your arteries clear by doing aerobic exercises, states the Mayo Clinic. Aerobic exercises as part of your aqua therapy program will also increase your mental outlook, stamina, your longevity, and keep you living an independent life. Even if you have asthma, you can benefit from aqua therapy aerobics. Aqua therapy will improve your lung capacity, cough reflex, breath control and overall fitness level, states the Aquatic Therapy Journal.
