No need to live your life with body pain and aches. Aquatic therapy is an effective option to beat the pain you are experiencing. It is one of the treatments of physical therapy that can help you get rid of body aches. It is also known as aquatic rehabilitation or hydrotherapy.
The treatment has soothing properties that can relax your muscles and relieve pain. A physical therapist is the certified person to provide the treatment. You can get a personalized treatment plan according to your situation.
What Is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a part of physical therapy conducted in a pool or similar place. It is carried out under the guidance of a certified therapist. It includes different types of exercises that need to be performed in the pool or water.
The therapist finds whether the treatment is beneficial for you according to your situation and the exercises you should perform. It is a type of add-on therapy along with physical therapy. The treatment is quite beneficial for athletes and similar persons.
There is a personalized treatment plan for each patient, and the common goals of aquatic therapy are as follows:
- Improving flexibility
- Improving coordination and balance
- Enhancing aerobic capacity
- Increasing muscle strength and endurance
- Assisting with gait and locomotion
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
These are the common types of goals, but your goal might vary depending upon the health issue you are experiencing. The therapy does not focus on teaching a person how to swim but on helping him get rid of various health issues.
It is an excellent way to maintain fitness levels and the strength and balance of your body. Therefore, you can consult a physical therapist for the therapy.
Conditions That Can Be Treated By Hydrotherapy
There are several conditions that water therapy or hydrotherapy can treat. If you are suffering from any of the below-mentioned health issues, you can get relief from it with the help of treatment:
- Stress
- Stroke
- Arthritis
- Scoliosis
- Tendonitis
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Sprains and strains
- Multiple sclerosis
- Balance disorders
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lower back pain
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Idiopathic joint pain
- Joint replacement surgery recovery
The therapy benefits people of all age groups, including senior citizens and children. You need to attend regular aquatic therapy sessions to beat your health problems.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Here are a few of the benefits of aquatic therapy for each individual:
- Performing exercises in warm water can soothe and relax your muscles and aching joints.
- The therapy uses water’s natural resistance and viscosity to rehabilitate and strengthen muscles.
- Buoyancy reduces the effect of gravity and allows floating, which is good for aching or injured muscles and joints.
- Wave propagation and turbulence help the therapist gently manipulate the client’s affected area with desired exercises.
- Our respiratory muscles need to work hard in the water, and it allows the natural strengthening of the muscles.
- The pressure of water provides stability and support to clients. It helps them perform all the exercises without the risk of falling, improve their balance and reduce pain.
Compared to all the other techniques used in physical therapy, hydrotherapy has the best results. It can be said as a painless method of healing and the start of a healthier life. It minimizes the pain and enhances the quality of life.
It is beneficial for people who want to boost their recovery after surgery and athletes who want to get back in the game soon.
The Risk with Aquatic Therapy Program
Even though the therapy is carried out under the supervision of a certified health professional, it is not entirely safe for every individual. You should be aware of the risk attached to the treatment plan. Here are a few of the conditions when you should avoid the therapy:
- High fever
- Hepatitis A
- Incontinence
- Severe fear of water
- Recent or open wounds
- Uncontrolled seizure disorders
- Chlorine or bromine allergy
- COPD or other similar respiratory issues
- Pregnancy and other complications with it
- Consuming medications that could alter cognition
These are a few of the health conditions and other conditions during which you should avoid getting hydrotherapy.
Aqua Therapy Accessories
The therapy and exercises in the pool include the use of different types of accessories, such as:
- Kickboards
- Ankle weights
- Stationary bicycles
- Weight-adjustable barbells
- Flotation rings or belts
- Short-tipped fins and flippers
- Resistance handbells and paddles
- Resistance bands and tubing
The requirements of each individual are different, and the exercises are selected accordingly by the therapist. The therapist can combine the best exercises according to the physical limitations of every individual.
Final Thoughts
Aquatic therapy can benefit a wide range of physical and mental health problems. According to your situation, you can consult a physical therapist for a personalized treatment plan. It can help you soothe your muscles and relieve the pain you are experiencing.
