Aqua therapy, also referred to as water therapy or hydrotherapy, can be helpful for anyone suffering from lower back pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that 60 to 80 percent of the United States population has lower back pain, and it can be due to injury, stiffness or lack of physical activity. While exercising on a hard surface can be painful because of the high impact, the buoyancy of water supports your body while also applying resistance for strengthening and conditioning. The warmth of water in a pool can also be soothing for your back pain. Spine Health recommends that you consult a doctor if you plan to use aqua therapy for lower back pain.
Water Walking
Simply walking through water that is waist high can help you improve your posture, reducing back pain and stiffness. Northwestern Health Sciences University recommends walking across a pool while swinging your arms as if you were walking on land. Keep your back straight while walking and tighten your abdominal muscles. You can wear water shoes for this exercise if you are concerned about slipping and falling.
Leg Raises
Stand on one leg, slightly bent, in water that is about waist high. While holding onto the side of the pool, extend your other leg out in front of you. According to Spine Health, this helps to strengthen muscles in your lower back, in addition to your legs and hips. Hold the position for about 10 seconds, then switch legs and repeat the exercise.
Noodle Exercise
This exercise uses a foam pool noodle. Place the noodle between your legs so that 2/3 of it is in front of you and the rest is behind you. While in water that is up to your neck, walk through the deep water while placing your right arm and left leg forward. Move your right arm and left leg back, and then move the opposite arm and leg forward. According to Northwestern Health Sciences University, you should keep your balance upright and avoid titling too far in either direction during this exercise.
