Ankle Weights For Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is employed in many rehabilitation programs for patients who are not capable of supporting their body weight on land. Therapy takes place in a warm pool that provides a combination of buoyancy and water resistance. Ankle weights are used to add resistance to lower extremities during a range of movements, including forward, backward and toward the surface of the water.

History

The United States began using aqua therapy during the polio epidemic of the 1940s and 1950s. The new wave of resistance training methods resulted in the use of ankle weights, cuffs and other equipment in aqua therapy programs. If you have functional limitations and decreased mobility, you could realize the benefit of ankle weights.

Applications

Ankle weights are used for support, as well as resistance. This combination provides gentle rehabilitation of joints and ligaments in the lower extremities. Many physical therapists include a range of leg motions to rehabilitate joints and ligaments in your knees and hips. In many instances, buoyancy is added by wrist floats or paddles while ankle weights provide additional resistance, a combination associated with a more rapid recovery.

Measured Weight

Water provides a certain amount of resistance when patients move their arms and legs in a pool. For this reason, ankle weights used in aqua therapy are lighter than those used on land. Traditional therapy programs closely monitor a patient's progress in all phases of rehabilitation. Aqua therapists employ the natural properties of water resistance with measured weight that best serves the patient during a particular phase of recovery.

Exercises

Ankle weights are used in many exercises directed at the lower extremities. Rhythmic movements, such as gentle high stepping, can improve range of motion and flexibility. Walking or slow jogging at various depths with ankle weights can promote normal movement, with the water providing balance and support. As with any weight training, vigorous movements with ankle weights increase muscle strength and endurance.