Aquatic therapy exercises that can benefit you

Arthritis. Fibromyalgia. Untreated whiplash. These are just a few of the issues that can lead to chronic pain. 

Unfortunately, millions of Americans suffer from these and other conditions that cause chronic pain. In fact, it’s estimated that 63 million Americans will be diagnosed with arthritis in 2020. You may have heard of the benefits of aquatic therapy and want to include it in your physical therapy plan for chronic pain. But you may want to know a bit more about this type of therapy before using it.

What is aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy is a beneficial form of physical therapy that takes place in a heated pool. It can also be referred to as hydrotherapy or water therapy. Hydrotherapy can improve the results of physical therapy by adding resistance to exercises. Additionally, many people find their exercises easier because of the buoyancy property of water. 

How are aquatic therapy sessions structured?

One factor that allows aquatic therapy to benefit patients is how physical therapists structure hydrotherapy sessions. Some of the parts of your water-based therapy sessions may seem familiar from your land-based therapy sessions.

Your session will typically start with a warmup period. This helps to ensure that your muscles are ready to perform more complicated physical movements. You’ll then go through a series of exercises designed to enhance your physical therapy process. Finally, you’ll enjoy a cool-down period to help relax and soothe your muscles after their hard work.

What beneficial exercises are used during aquatic therapy?

The exercises that your physical therapist uses during your water therapy sessions are intended to provide many benefits. Many of the exercises are similar to ones you may have used in your land-based therapy sessions. 

Some of the exercises your physical therapist may use include:

• Sprints and jogging — These exercises are intended to improve cardiovascular fitness. They can also do so without placing lots of stress on your hips, knees and ankles.

• Leg lifts — Doing this exercise can involve lifting either the whole leg or only part of it. This allows your physical therapist to target specific leg joints. It can also be made easier by doing them in a seated position or harder by doing them in a standing position. 

• Arm circles — This option is used to help people recovering from shoulder injuries. It can help improve shoulder strength and function.

• Side arm lifts — Another exercise often used in shoulder injury recovery plans. It can be used to increase the strength of muscles in the shoulder and upper back. 

Find the benefits of aquatic therapy at Excel Sports & Physical Therapy in Wentzville, MO

Not sure where you can find effective aquatic therapy? Our Excel Sports & Physical Therapy team in Wentzville, Missouri, is here to help you find a therapy plan that’s perfectly suited to your needs. We offer free screenings intended to pinpoint the issue(s) you’re dealing with. Our physical therapists can then build you a personalized therapy plan to address your injury or medical condition, which can include aquatic therapy. Additionally, we offer therapy services you can use from home, including virtual care and at-home therapy sessions. 

Contact our team today for more information about our physical therapy services or to schedule your free screening.