Come on in the Water is fine
Joe Grant, PT, ATC, EdM
Many orthopedic conditions will tolerate exercise in water easier than on land. Range of motion, strength, gait, functional activities and sports specific exercises can be simulated sooner after an injury in the water. At Back to Action , our pool allows patients to swim against a current, exercise standing, sitting or lying down, work individually, in a small group or with a therapist.
Aqua therapy has many benefits. Relaxation greatly increases when one is suspended in the water, increasing tolerance of passive and active motion to injured joints. Manual treatments given by a therapist take advantage of the buoyancy and resistance of the water to facilitate motion, proprioception and strengthening. Passive, active assistive and active range can be progressed throughout the treatment session.
Patients with osteoarthritis enjoy the buoyancy of the water "unloading" their joints allowing participation in a pain free strengthening and range of motion exercise program.
Exercise in the water is not for everyone, but it is a wonderful tool for many patients as a way to progress to land-based, weight bearing exercise and is a well-tolerated medium for manual treatment.
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