Hydrotherapy exercises in warm water can relieve joint pain and muscle tension, making them beneficial for those with pain, injury, or health problems. They are also effective for weight loss and arthritis sufferers. Exercises can be modified for different conditions and are available for anyone as an alternative form of exercise.
Hydrotherapy exercises are a form of physical therapy performed in water. This type of exercise is typically used to relieve the stress that regular exercise places on the body. While anyone can benefit from hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, older and heavier people typically do these types of exercises. They are especially beneficial for those living with pain, injury, or other health problems.
Usually performed in a warm pool of water, hydrotherapy is used to help relieve joint pain and muscle tension. The water works to facilitate mobility and provide safe cushioning for stressed or brittle bones and muscles. There are several types of exercises that can be performed; which ones are employed generally depends on the instructor or therapist and the nature of the patient’s illness.
Hydrotherapy is an effective component of weight loss and is often recommended for overweight patients with symptoms of obesity. Exercises performed in water relieve the pressure that land exercises cause in the joints of overweight patients. An instructor will usually start by having patients walk across the pool floor and perform vigorous leg kicks while holding on to the pool wall or a kick board for balance. As weight loss occurs and body strength increases, patients can usually increase resistance and perform a broader range of hydrotherapy exercises.
Arthritis and osteoarthritis sufferers often also benefit from water exercises. Hydrotherapy exercises work to increase the production and distribution of synovial fluids that aid joint mobility, a key problem imposed by arthritis. Performing hydrotherapy in hot water, as opposed to warm water, also helps to loosen ligaments and joints by relaxing tense muscles.
Those who suffer from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis generally undergo hydrotherapy in specially designed pools with metal bars lining the sides. Patients typically exercise by holding the side rails and performing a variety of arm and leg raises. Knee squats can also be performed to loosen up the knee joints while enjoying the support of the water. Exercises are generally taught on a condition-specific basis and can be modified to decrease or increase intensity.
While hydrotherapy is generally considered a type of exercise for older or heavier individuals, it is also available for those simply looking for an alternative form of exercise. Some gyms or gyms offer aquatic exercise classes to their general members. Most classes include exercises to improve cardiovascular strength, flexibility, and muscle tone. Anyone can benefit from hydrotherapy exercises, especially those with past sports injuries or weakened joints.
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