You might be using other ways to recover from injury whether it’s a sport, accident, or an injury during work. Let me tell you about a natural, effective, and cost-effective method to recover from injuries faster. The answer is aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy, or hydrotherapy, uses the natural properties of water to reduce pain, improve body movement, and strengthen muscles. It is a safe and gentle way to heal without putting any considerable pressure on the body.
This blog covers aquatic therapy for rehab after injury, how it works, and what injuries hydrotherapy cures. It also explains the best aquatic therapy equipment provider in Australia.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
What is water-based rehabilitation therapy? Aquatic or water-based therapy is a specialised physical therapy that facilitates rehabilitation and improves functional abilities. It relaxes muscles, improves joint range of motion, and muscle strength, and reduces pain within a safe and fun environment.
Aquatic therapy is generally performed in pool water or other aquatic environments. This therapy is originally intended for people with injuries or disabilities who cannot tolerate land exercises and require decreased weight-bearing exercise options.
How Aquatic Therapy Works for Rehabilitation?
Aquatic therapy helps people recover from injuries by using water’s natural properties. Here’s how it works:
1. Buoyancy Reduces Pressure on Joints and Muscles
Water supports the body and makes movements feel lighter which reduces pressure on painful joints, muscles, and bones. While recovering from the injury, you can perform gentle exercise without strain. People recovering from surgeries, arthritis, or mobility issues find it easier to move in water than on land.
2. Hydrostatic Pressure Helps Reduce Swelling and Improve Circulation
Water naturally applies pressure to the body which helps decrease swelling and improve blood flow. The improved circulation in the body due to water pressure can speed the recovery process and reduce discomfort.
3. Water Resistance Strengthens Muscles Without Strain
Moving through the water is harder than moving through the air because of its resistance. This means muscles have to work but without the heavy impact of traditional strength training. This helps in rebuilding strength safely even for those with weak or injured muscles.
4. Warm Water Relaxes Muscles and Eases Pain
Many aquatic therapy sessions take place in warm pools which can help relax tight muscles and soothe pain. The warmth increases flexibility and makes it easier to stretch and move.
5. Improves Balance and Coordination
Water provides a safe environment to practice balance and coordination exercises. If someone loses balance they won’t fall and get injured as they would on land. This is especially beneficial for elderly individuals or those recovering from neurological conditions like strokes.
6. Safe Cardiovascular Exercise
Water-based exercises like walking, cycling on an aquabike, or using a water treadmill improve heart health without putting stress on the body. This is ideal for people recovering from injuries who need to stay active without risking further harm.
What injuries or conditions do hydrotherapy treat?
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat the following injuries or health conditions:
Sports Injuries
Athletes often suffer from sprains, muscle strains, or ligament injuries due to intense physical activity. Hydrotherapy helps by reducing pain, improving flexibility, and rebuilding strength without stressing the injured area. The water’s resistance also allows for safe muscle strengthening while preventing further damage.
Work-Related Injuries
People who perform repetitive movements, heavy lifting, or sit for long hours may develop muscle pain or joint stiffness. Hydrotherapy helps relax tight muscles, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation. It also strengthens weak muscles and makes it easier to return to daily tasks.
Shoulder Rehabilitation
Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or dislocations, can cause pain and limit movement. Water therapy provides a gentle way to regain shoulder mobility and strength without straining the joint. The warm water also reduces stiffness and makes exercises easier.
Lower Limb Rehabilitation
Injuries to the legs, knees, or feet can make walking and movement painful. Hydrotherapy supports the body’s weight and allows for gentle movement without stressing the injured area. This helps in regaining strength and improving walking ability safely.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness due to cartilage breakdown. Exercising in warm water reduces pain, improves joint flexibility, and makes movement easier. The water’s support also allows for pain-free stretching and strengthening exercises.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This condition causes inflammation in the joints which leads to stiffness and discomfort. Hydrotherapy reduces swelling and improves circulation and also makes it easier to move. The warmth of the water also soothes joint pain and relaxes muscles.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain. Water exercises improve flexibility, strengthen back muscles, and reduce discomfort. Since water supports the body, the overall body movements feel easier and less painful.
Pain Management (Back or Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain)
Chronic pain in the back or neck can make daily activities difficult. Water therapy helps relieve tension, improve posture, and strengthen muscles without pressure on the spine. The warmth of the water also promotes relaxation and reduces pain levels.
Pre- & Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Before surgery, hydrotherapy helps maintain strength and flexibility, making recovery easier. After surgery, it aids in regaining movement, reducing stiffness, and rebuilding muscle strength in a safe environment. This is commonly used for knee, hip, and spinal surgeries.
Fractures & Trauma
Recovering from a broken bone or serious injury often requires slow and controlled movement. Water therapy offers safe rehabilitation by reducing pressure on healing bones and joints. It also helps prevent muscle weakness during the recovery period.
Mobility & Balance Issues
People with difficulty walking or maintaining balance can benefit from hydrotherapy as well. The water provides gentle resistance and helps strengthen stabilizing muscles without the risk of falling. This is especially helpful for older adults and those with neurological conditions.
Treating Sprains
A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched or torn. It causes pain and swelling. Hydrotherapy reduces inflammation and helps you move your injured area without feeling its weight or risk any further damage.
Supraspinatus Muscle Tears
The supraspinatus muscle, located in the shoulder, helps lift the arm. It can cause severe pain and limit movement when it is stretched or torn. Moving your shoulder gently in the water can help regain it’s movement gradually without any risk or feeling much pain.
Speed Up Your Post-Injury Recovery with Aquatic Fitness Equipment
Treating injuries and other health conditions through medications and various rehabilitation techniques such as aquatic therapy is always a good option. However, let us make you familiar with another way to speed up your recovery process from injury or achieve fitness goals faster. How? Aquatic therapy equipment is the best choice to perform low-impact and effective exercises in the water to recover from injuries safely.
At Aquatec Fitness, we sell quality-material, durable, and cost-effective water fitness equipment in Australia. Not only will you find a fun way of workout that is easy on the joints and body, but also something that saves you from further injuries. The aqua fitness equipment we sell includes:
Frequently Asked Questions
How does aquatic therapy work?
Water is great for therapy because it helps the body float, provides gentle resistance, stays warm, and applies light pressure. Aquatic therapy is easier on the body since water reduces strain on joints and muscles. It is also great as it puts less pressure on injuries and allows free movement.
How does water help recovery?
Hydrotherapy reduces stress on joints. It is a good option for people with arthritis, joint injuries, or those recovering from surgery because it allows soft movements without increasing pain or causing more harm.
How does hydrotherapy reduce swelling?
The pressure of the water against your body, hydrostatic pressure, helps decrease swelling. It can reduce every swelling whether it’s injury or other conditions such as diabetes.
What is the power of water in healing?
Water helps both the body and mind due to its healing effects. For thousands of years, people have used it to treat illnesses, refresh the body, and calm the mind. Since ancient times, water has been one of the best natural ways to fight sickness and heal injuries.
Key Takeaways
Aquatic therapy is a simple yet effective way to heal from injuries and improve mobility. It reduces pain, strengthens muscles, and supports recovery without putting stress on the body.
Using water fitness equipment like aquatic bikes, trampolines, and treadmills can make therapy even more effective. If you want a safe and fun way to recover, try aquatic therapy and speed up your healing process.
