Water therapy can be a versatile exercise that can benefit almost everyone. Movements that are too difficult to accomplish on land can usually be done in water. Alternate names for water therapy include hydrotherapy, aquatic therapy and pool therapy, according to spine-health.com. Be sure to properly warm up and cool down after your treatment program to prevent injury. Check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise program.
Safe Environment
Water therapy treatments provide a safe and welcoming environment for all physical levels, ages and capabilities. Water therapy is commonly recommended for those with osteoarthritis, neck and back pain, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to spine-health.com. Water also can help asthma sufferers, according to the Aquatic Therapy Journal. Water therapy eliminates the potential for falling, which can be a common ailment of elderly and/or disabled people. The water's natural buoyancy will support and catch you when you lose your balance. Warm water treatments will gently relax your joints and muscles, according to University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Exertion levels are diminished during water therapy. Even if you do not swim, you can safely use the water.
Pain Relief
Water therapy can provide pain relief. Exercising in warm water relaxes your joints and muscles, according to University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. As your body relaxes in warm water, your comfort level rises. Your body temperature rises. This causes your blood vessels to dilate while improving blood circulation throughout your body, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Let your body adjust to the warm water prior to starting any exercise.
Reduced Joint Impact
Water therapy treatment will provide a low impact activity, according to the Mayo Clinic. Low impact activities provide less stress on your joints, muscles and bones than higher impact activities do. Water's buoyancy counteracts gravity. Water's natural buoyancy supports the majority of your body weight, instead of having your joints take the brunt of your physical exertion. Water provides a sense of weightlessness, making movements easier to do than land-based ones. Water's joint-friendly nature is extremely beneficial if you suffer from injuries, back problems or arthritis, according to exercisegoals.com.
Natural Resistance
Water provides a natural resistance which can help strengthen your muscles. Water movements can be geared toward a specific muscle group, a benefit for developing and healing post-injury, according to exercisegoals.com. Moving your body in the water provides a natural form of friction and weight lifting. Resistance can be increased by using a variety of water therapy exercise tools including hand water weights, kickboards, webbed gloves, water noodles and weighted shoes, according to the Mayo Clinic
Increased Flexibility
Water therapy can increase your flexibility. Your overall flexibility improves since water's natural buoyancy encourages greater movement of your joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Movements that were too difficult for you on land may be easier done in water.
Improved Cardiovascular Functioning
Water therapy treatments can improve your cardiovascular functioning and overall level of health, according to the American Heart Association. As an endurance activity, water activities can lower your risk of developing heart disease, obesity and other diseases. Performing 30 minutes of moderately brisk exercise at least five days a week will provide the best cardiovascular results. Improved cardiovascular functioning can help asthma sufferers, according to the Aquatic Therapy Journal. Water therapy treatments can improve your circulation, breath control, lung capacity, balance and coordination, lower your blood pressure and cough reflex, according to the Aquatic Therapy Journal.
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