Aquatic therapy can be an effective and enjoyable form of recovery. Patients who undergo aquatic therapy often recover faster, reduce inflammation, increase their range of motion, and experience less pain. If you are struggling with a chronic condition or injury, aquatic therapy could help you get back on your feet sooner than you thought possible. Let’s look in depth at six benefits of aquatic therapy available at Moreau Physical Therapy in Zachary, LA, and Plaquemine.
1. Reduces Weight Bearing
Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is performed in a pool or other body of water. One of the main benefits of aquatic therapy is that it allows patients to perform exercises and movements with reduced weight bearing. This is because the buoyancy of the water helps to support the body and reduces the amount of weight that is placed on the joints or injured area.
This form of therapy can be especially helpful for people with arthritis, lower back pain, and other conditions in which excess pressure could lead to pain and inflammation. Aquatic therapy with our experts in Zachary, LA, can also be an effective way to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility, as well as reduce muscle spasms and swelling.
2. Increases Range of Motion
By exercising in water, patients can move and stretch more easily. This allows patients to work on their range of motion without feeling the strain or stress on their joints that they might feel out of the water. The resistance provided by the water can help to strengthen their muscles. Additionally, the warmth of the water can promote muscle relaxation and healthy blood flow. These factors can work together to improve one’s range of motion and flexibility over time.
3. Improves Muscle Strength
When a patient moves through the water, they must work against its resistance. For physical therapy patients, this can help to strengthen muscles without added strain. The resistance of the water can be adjusted depending on the depth of the pool or by using various types of aquatic exercise equipment. Additionally, the buoyancy of the water can make it easier for patients to perform exercises they might find challenging on land. Over time, regular aquatic therapy can help to improve muscle strength and endurance.
4. Improves Balance & Coordination
Aquatic therapy can improve balance and coordination by challenging the body's ability to maintain stability while moving through the water. The buoyancy and resistance of the water make it more difficult to maintain balance and control one’s movements. With strength training and guidance from a physical therapist, a patient can learn how to improve their overall balance and coordination.
Aquatic therapy can also incorporate balance and coordination exercises, such as standing on one leg or walking in a straight line. As a patient gains strength, these exercises help to further improve these skills out of the water.
5. Decreases Inflammation
Since aquatic therapy works to reduce the amount of pressure on the joints and promote better circulation, it can also assist in decreasing inflammation and swelling. If patients exercise in a warm pool, the temperature of the water may relax the muscles, increase blood flow, and potentially reduce inflammation. However, it is important to note that aquatic therapy is not a standalone treatment for inflammation. It is typically used in conjunction with other treatments such as medication and lifestyle modifications.
6. Enhances Cardiovascular Endurance
Aquatic therapy can enhance cardiovascular endurance by providing a low-impact workout. Thanks to the buoyancy and resistance of the water, patients can perform challenging and effective exercises without placing too much strain on their joints. Recommended exercises may include swimming laps or jogging in place, which can further improve cardiovascular endurance. Regular aquatic therapy may also have the added benefit of improving physical endurance over time.
Experience the Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for Yourself in Zachary, LA
Aquatic physical therapy can be an excellent way to speed up your recovery, whether you’ve experienced a sports injury, are coping with arthritis, or want to reduce inflammation. The water provides resistance that can help with increasing range of motion and strength while also helping to alleviate pain.
If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of aquatic therapy for yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We offer aquatic therapy at both our Zachary, LA, and Plaquemine, LA, locations. Give us a call at 85-LIVE-MORE (855-483-6673) to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists. You can also send us a message online. Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on your journey to recovery.
