One of the most common reasons why many people suffering from musculoskeletal injuries avoid physical therapy is that they are worried that exercise might exacerbate their pain. While it is true that working any injured part of the body will cause discomfort at first, physical therapy is designed to improve range of motion and strength in the affected area gradually, with the least amount of pain possible.
That said, there are some conditions that can prove to be more challenging to treat with standard physical therapy treatment strategies. Thankfully, there are alternatives that your physical therapist can use to help you cope with your pain while assisting you along the path to recovery. One technique they may choose to employ is aquatic therapy.
Aquatic therapy is just like physical therapy, except the exercises are performed in a pool. There are several reasons why aquatic therapy is beneficial to patients suffering from pain conditions. For starters, the water provides a natural resistance to the body’s movements, which is far gentler than using weights, equipment, or resistance bands. The water also helps soothe your pain and reduce joint swelling.
Aquatic therapy can assist with rehabilitation treatment by improving patient’s range of motion, flexibility, strength, and overall health in a safe and enjoyable setting. It also helps prevent further injury or re-injury. Best of all, this type of physical therapy is backed by evidence and delivers the best results when performed under the supervision (or with the direct involvement) of a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Aquatic physical therapy exercises can help your body heal better and faster. Further, it is a highly effective treatment option for dealing with a wide range of conditions, including:
Many condition that can be treated with physical therapy may benefit by being treated with aquatic therapy. Your physical therapist will work with you to help you decide which modality is best suited to provide you with the quickest and safest recovery.
Among the many therapeutic aspects of choosing aquatic therapy is that it can safely and effectively improve recovery rate for patients. The warm, naturally resistant, and buoyant nature of the aquatic environment allows patients the chance to revitalize aching muscles and joints, improving full range of motion, and increasing strength, balance, and joint and muscle function. All of this occurs with very little impact or stress on the injured area or any other part of their bodies.
At our facilities, every treatment plan we create is tailored to the needs of the patient. Most aquatic therapy programs will include a combination of the following:
Not all physical therapy patients are able to reach their full potential for range of motion or strength through traditional physical therapy due to their pain getting in the way. For these patients, aquatic therapy can help patients meet their recovery goals because it can assist in removing pain from the equation.
If you’ve tried physical therapy before and had to stop because of pain, aquatic therapy can help. Call us today or click here to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained physical therapists and get back on the road to recovery.
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