DIVE INTO WELLNESS: Exploring the Healing Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Additional Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Aside from being gentler on the joints, aquatic therapy has a wealth of additional benefits, including the following:
Are you struggling with persistent pain that makes regular exercise a challenge? Have you recently undergone orthopedic surgery and found your rehabilitation exercises more difficult than expected? Or maybe you have an underlying condition, such as osteoarthritis, that causes intense joint pain. If these situations sound familiar, aquatic therapy at Total Performance PT could be precisely what you need. Aquatic therapy is similar to physical therapy — it just takes place in the water rather than out on land. But for many people, this one simple change is exactly what they need to find success.
• Builds strength: Exercising in the water may feel easier, but it also works your muscles more. Because water exerts force on the body, simple movements (such as walking or swinging your arm) become resistance exercises when you perform them underwater, meaning you can more easily build strength without using special equipment. • Improves joint mobility: Struggling with a restricted range of motion? Because the water supports your joints, aquatic therapy exercises may make it easier to improve your mobility. • Improves cardiovascular endurance: Similarly, aquatic therapy challenges your cardiovascular system, helping to improve aerobic capacity without joint pain. • Keeps you upright: If you struggle with balance and stability, aquatic therapy will actually help you complete your exercises without the risk of falling. • Improves blood circulation: Because we keep our pool warm, aquatic therapy helps facilitate the blood flow that occurs naturally during exercise. • Promotes relaxation: Many people find simply being in the water relaxing. Furthermore, the warm water helps promote muscle relaxation, which can help with painful muscle spasms. What to Expect During Your Aquatic Therapy Sessions In some ways, aquatic therapy is quite similar to land-based therapy. Your first appointment will consist of a comprehensive exam in which we take a complete health history, conduct some simple movement screens, and develop your customized treatment plan. Another similarity is the exercises themselves. Aquatic therapy is not the same as swimming — in fact, you don’t need to know how to swim at all! You’ll typically perform the prescribed movements in waist- or chest-deep water, and many of these exercises (such as leg raises or water walking) are movements you could perform on land. continues on next page
Why? Because exercising in the water is less stressful on the joints and makes it easier to build strength without additional equipment. It can also be relaxing unto itself! We offer aquatic therapy to help ensure our patients receive the best possible care, no matter their physical limitations. If you think you might benefit from aquatic therapy, call us to speak to our staff–we’re happy to answer any questions!
Who Can Benefit from Aquatic Therapy? One great thing about aquatic therapy is that it’s accessible to most people. Here are just a few of the conditions that might benefit from aquatic therapy:
• Osteoarthritis • Chronic pain • Lower back pain • Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Parkinson’s disease • Post-stroke recovery • Fibromyalgia • Orthopedic injuries
Aquatic therapy is a particularly good choice for people who struggle with land-based exercise. This is due to water’s buoyancy, which supports your body and removes pressure from the joints. This means that someone who feels as if they can barely move on land may find it much easier to exercise in the water.
CONTACT US TODAY! CALL US AT 215.201.4340 OR VISIT US AT TOTALPERFORMANCEPT.COM
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