There are many different ways to deal with medical conditions such
as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and fibromyalgia. Some doctors
prescribe medications while others recommend physical therapy. One
method that has been proven to help people deal with these conditions
is the use of aquatic therapy.
Therapists use water and activities that are specifically designed to
enhance, restore and maintain a person’s functional abilities. This
technique can be used for people with acute or chronic conditions.
After
an injury, illness, or surgery, a patient may experience increased
sensitivity to pain and lose some ability to bear weight on the
affected area of the body. Water reduces the pull of gravity, which
allows motion and functional activity to be more comfortable. Rehab
pools are useful because water supports the body while reducing joint
stress and providing resistance and assistance with movements. Patients
can improve function and mobility at a rapid pace during the healing
process. Some other benefits of aquatic therapy include improved muscle
strength and cardiovascular function, reduced stress, decreased
swelling, increased circulation and a higher range of motion. Increased
flexibility, balance and coordination are also common results of
aquatic therapy.
There are four components that make aquatic
therapy unique from traditional therapies: buoyancy, heat, hydrostatic
pressure and resistance. Buoyancy provides support by decreasing
gravitational forces placed on weak limbs that are less able to bear
weight. It lessens stress on muscles and joints, which allows a person
to move more easily. Aquatic therapy is usually performed in a swim spa
or heated pool, and the warm water relaxes muscles and improves the
range of motion and flexibility. Hydrostatic pressure uses the water
surrounding the body to help circulate blood from the legs to the
heart, reducing swelling that can occur in the ankles and feet. The
reduction of swelling will decrease joint tenderness while increasing
the body’s range of motion. Resistance is felt in only one direction
with traditional therapies, which can cause some muscles to become
overdeveloped while others aren’t utilized as much as they should be.
Aquatic therapy helps to improve muscle strength and balance by
providing resistance in all directions.
People who have medical
conditions such as muscular dystrophy or arthritis should consider
aquatic therapy as an option when looking at possible treatments. It
can also be used to treat repetitive stress disorder and relieve
discomfort that may result from pregnancy.
- From Forrest W
aquaman910@gmail.com




Great site you have here! I'm learning a lot! I have a blog as well, one that offers inspiration and wisdom. I was wondering if we could exchange links, let me know what you think!
Jason
Posted by: Jason | July 28, 2009 at 04:27 PM