Aquatic therapy is physical therapy in a pool led by a specialized physical therapist. Unlike regular aquatic fitness, aquatic therapy — also known as hydrotherapy or water therapy — is a physical recovery and medicinal treatment that improves injuries and strengthens weakened or damaged muscles. It also differs from your regular swim classes in that a trained, certified therapist or trainer must oversee and conduct the program.
Those committed to swim therapy can experience several positive changes, from increased flexibility to reduced stress and increased muscular strength in the arms, back and legs.
Swim and water therapy are great ways to meet a range of goals, whatever your current condition may be. Water is an excellent tool for therapy because of four main qualities:
Water therapy is a fantastic program for people of all ages, from adolescents to older adults. The following conditions are just a few examples of situations where hydrotherapy services have proven to be effective.
When a patient enters a pool, the water's buoyancy supports their body, giving it a break from the pressure of gravity. As a result, the patient can work muscles they use regularly and not-so-regularly. Through the water exercises, these muscles grow. At the same time, joint function improves and inflammation decreases, relieving arthritis pain and improving mood.
When you work out, a lot of different processes occur in the body. One such process in the brain is the release of endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters the brain produces during activities like exercise and eating. Endorphins are feel-good chemicals that invoke pleasure. When you get into the pool water, an even larger flood of endorphins is released. This rush of endorphins battles depression naturally.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the disruption of communication between the spine and brain. This disruption can lead to an array of symptoms, from numbness to blindness and paralysis. For those with MS, aquatic therapy is particularly beneficial when it comes to managing current symptoms and delaying future development. The benefits of swim therapy include strengthening muscles and mind-body connections.
For many patients, aquatic therapy is more than just effective. It's also enjoyable! A session typically lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your endurance and muscular strength. During the session, make sure to communicate with your instructor. Some exercises may feel effective immediately, while others might feel a bit uncomfortable. Don't hesitate to speak up to help your instructor know what is working for your body and what is not.
If you are ready to live a healthier, more positive life, it might be time to try water physical therapy. From the very first visit and beyond, you can expect high-quality care and expert medical programming that helps you improve your day-to-day life.
Find an aquatic therapy clinic that offers hydrotherapy programs today!
Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that takes place in water, rather than on land. Because of the scientific properties of water, it allows many patients—and therapists—to accomplish goals they are unable to accomplish using conventional land-based measures, making it a highly effective treatment for a variety of otherwise difficult-to-treat conditions.
All aquatic therapy sessions are conducted in a one-on-one setting in carefully regulated waters. Our pools are kept at a warm temperature that is both comfortable and conducive to therapeutic goals such as muscle relaxation, decreased pain, and decreased swelling.
