Let’s face it, August has been hot! What better way to beat the heat than by taking a dip in the pool? You can also use your time in the water to get in some challenging exercises too!
The Benefits of Aquatic Exercise
Aquatic exercise is the perfect solution to the ‘dog days’ of summer. In fact, studies have found that “water-based exercise can be beneficial for many people whose movement is limited by pain.”
The buoyance of the water provides a de-weighting effect making it easier to move and improve flexibility. Aquatic exercise is a safe and effective method for healing injuries, restoring patient confidence, and increasing mobility. There are also many health conditions that benefit from water-based exercise or aquatic physical therapy, including:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Pre- and post-surgical joint replacement
- Work or sport injuries such as stress fractures
Preparing for the Pool
As with any new exercise program, it’s a good idea to check with a member of your medical team, such as your physical therapist or primary care provider, to be sure pool exercise is safe for you. Once you are ready to start, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends these tips to get you started:
- Water shoes will help to provide traction on the pool floor.
- Water level can be waist or chest high.
- Use a Styrofoam noodle or floatation belt/vest to keep you afloat in deeper water.
- Slower movements in the water will provide less resistance than faster movements.
- You can use webbed water gloves, Styrofoam weights, inflated balls, or kickboards for increased resistance.
- Never push your body through pain during any exercise.
- Although you will not notice that you sweat with pool exercises, it is still important to drink plenty of water.
Now Get Moving
Whether you’re out enjoying the warm summer air at a pool or lake or taking a dip in your local heated pool during the cold winter months, there are plenty of exercises you can perform that will challenge your body. To learn about some water exercises to get you moving, visit our August newsletter’s “Exercises of the Month” to see some safe exercises to help you get started.
Many of our clinics offer aquatic physical therapy as a part of the plan of care for patients who are dealing with pain or injury. To learn more about aquatic physical therapy, and to find a Bay State Physical Therapy location near you that offers aquatic physical therapy, click the button below.
If pain or injury limits your ability to reach your optimal health, call any Bay State Physical Therapy location to schedule an evaluation or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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