Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
The most important thing for any patient recovering from an injury or surgery is proper rehabilitation. One of the most effective rehabilitation techniques is the use of aquatic therapy. While the results are patient specific, the benefits of aquatic rehabilitation include reduction of pain, improved range of motion, reduction of muscle spasms, improved muscle tone, improved muscle strength, improved muscle endurance, improved balance and coordination, improved sensory integration and awareness, increase in cardiovascular and musculoskeletal endurance, early mobilization of injured or post-operative body part, early gait re-education post-injury or post-surgery and improvement in postural alignment.
Patients are able to achieve these results because aquatic therapy because the water is heated, provides buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and resistance. The water in the pool is typically in the range of 93-95 degrees F, which relaxes the muscles. In addition, whirlpool jets massage the impacted areas of the body. Buoyancy reduces the forces of brevity on the weak or injured limbs, allowing the patient to move more freely due to the decreased stress on the muscles bones and joints. Many patients are able to gradually push their range of motion without the worry of supporting all of their full body weight. The hydrostatic pressure associated with aquatic therapy also improves the circulation of blood to the area, which also reduces swelling. The reduction of swelling is often the key to improved range of motion. Finally, aquatic therapy provides resistance in all directions, which strengthens the muscles as the body moves in the water in any direction.
Under the guidance of a phyisicain and a qualified therapist using a state of the art aquatic therapy pool, the results can be dramatic!
Posted on behalf of Armin Oskouei
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