When people injure themselves, it can be difficult to overcome pain and fear of re-injury when recovering. This is especially true with injuries in weight-bearing places such as the back, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Refraining from putting your full weight on your recovering injury can ease your mind, but it inhibits the proper muscle strengthening that helps to prevent re-injury. This is why many Orthopaedic doctors and physical therapists recommend swimming. The act of using water to recover is known as aqua therapy or water therapy. It can be done on your own if you have the correct equipment, or during a guided session with an instructor.
You can find low-impact classes at most pools, but always check with your doctor if the class is not specifically for recovery. Some strength-training or exercise classes may not be appropriate for your injury recovery! Most importantly, be safe while in the water. Always make sure there is someone else around who will be able to help if you need it. This could be a lifeguard, a neighbor, a coach or instructor, a family members, or other able-bodied adult.
Ready to dive in? Learn more about aqua therapy below!
The Benefits of Aqua Therapy
Aqua therapy helps in several areas of recovery, from pain management to rehabilitation. It not only helps with recovery, but is also a great way for those with arthritis to exercise without much pain. This recovery tool has the support of several national colleges and other health organizations for its benefits, which include:
1. Strengthening Muscles, Tendons, and Ligaments
Swimming is a great exercise on its own outside of rehabilitation. It is a full-body cardio workout, with several strokes and techniques that target different muscles and areas of the body. By pushing, pulling, kicking, and moving against the water’s resistance, you strengthen your muscles, tendons, and ligaments in a non-weight bearing way due to buoyancy. Re-strengthening the muscles in or around your injury is critical to a full recovery. This is especially true for injuries that require the injured body part to be completely unused or stationary for long periods of time. Strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments properly during recovery greatly decreases your chance of reinjury.
2. Reducing Impact on Injury During Rehabilitation
The buoyancy of the human body in water allows aqua therapy to be a low-impact, non-weight bearing rehab option. The water protects your body as you recover and rebuild your muscles and confidence while avoiding weight and motion that could potentially cause reinjury!
3. Decreasing Swelling and Pain
We might not always feel it when we get into the water, but water pressure is constantly pressing in on our bodies. If you think about the feeling you get when you swim down deep, that’s noticeable. This still happens in shallower water, but not that degree. Still, the combination of water pressure and cooler temperatures can decrease the body’s inflammatory response to an injury.
4. Accessible Year-Round
Swimming is a great winter sport, and several people take advantage of indoor lap swimming to exercise in the colder months. Some rehab clinics will have aqua therapy on-site with special equipment. However, for minor injuries or clinics who do not have special equipment, any indoor pool with lap swim hours can function as a rehabilitation tool.
When NOT to Practice Aqua Therapy
While aqua therapy is beneficial to most people, there are some who should not participate in this rehab method. Do not seek out water therapy if:
- You have a healing surgical wound or freshly closed wound.
- You have an open wound.
- You cannot swim.
- Your pain is debilitating or worsening.
- You do not have the proper equipment and/or instruction.
Visit Orthopaedic Doctor Dr. Stacie Grossfeld in Louisville, KY
Have an injury and need a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor? Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists treats a variety of different injuries and can help you decide on the best recovery method.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.
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