Water-Bound Exercises: Healing Water

If you have ever passed a community pool and witnessed what appeared to be water ballet with elderly people, then you were probably seeing a water aerobics class, otherwise known as aquatic or pool therapy. Whatever you care to call it, humans have long been aware of the restorative properties of water. One of the more well-known instances of early aquatic therapy in the United States is that of late former president Franklin Roosevelt. His “little White House” and accompanying warm mineral springs was where Roosevelt went to alleviate the physical pain from the remnants of a childhood bout with polio. The draw for Roosevelt was the minerals in the water, purported to be helpful for those suffering from different injuries and disorders of the musculature and bones. What the springs just outside bustling Atlanta, Georgia have in common with modern aquatic therapy is the ability of the the warm water to soothe sore muscles and tendons, and loosen stiff joints, and promote quicker, more efficient healing of injuries and physiological dysfunction.

Undoubtedly the former president probably did exercises to help ensure fluidity of motion, at least to whatever degree he could. Such is true for patients of today’s pool therapy. Dr. Laura Inverity, D.O., is a contributor to About.com’s Health, Disease and Condition content. Her January 22, 2008, article regarding aquatic therapy on About.com is a moderately in-depth look at an ever-more popular trend for physical rehabilitation. The water-bound exercises are less traumatic to the body than traditional exercises performed on land because the water absorbs what could normally be bone-jarring foot falls and potential for serious falls and injuries. It also allows the patient a safety net should they be unsteady on their feet. Instead of worrying about falling and hitting carpet over concrete in a gym or workout studio, they can be free to perform a variety of exercises that would normally be impossible for them, due to pain and limited range of motion. If they are in a typical pool that begins at about three feet at the shallow end or a hot tub, they will have water all around them so they have a perceptibly lesser risk of falling and getting hurt. The buoyancy provided by the water also allows the patient to relax more, thereby making the workout even more effective. It lessens the chances of sprains and tears. The water provides a cushion for their bodies. This is also true for people who are extremely overweight.

Natural Proponent Aspects of Aquatic Therapy

• Increases joint mobility from both the warmth of the water and the buoyancy qualities
• Decreases potential for trauma to joints and other tissues and organs
• Provides cushioning properties for people who are overweight or elderly, or have limited coordination due to injury or illness

For patients who already have injuries, rehabilitation in the form of water exercise is tremendously helpful in the mending process, by allowing proper healing thanks to lessened friction and distress to joints. For instance, patients who have had back injuries, and those who suffer from arthritis, will find value in exercises done with “kick boards” and other flotation devices. The boards allow the patients to be able to swim around and kick, which works out their legs without the impact normally found out of the water. On the other hand, for those who want to concentrate on healing a shoulder or back injury or disorder, the water can provide resistance for strength-building, without the damaging effects of weight-lifting.

Proponent Effects of Water Exercise

• Allows re-strengthening of injured muscles and joints with less risk of strain and tearing
• Provides a “softer” workout method for unsteady, tender bodies
• Provides resistance through water’s natural viscosity, instead of the use of weights
• Allows for more fluidity of motion in exercise, due to the warmth of the water, thereby putting less friction on already injured or unwell muscles and bones and other organs
• Can promote faster healing time

Generalized “back pain” is a complaint of epidemic proportions, especially in our society. Americans deal with a lot of stress, much of it self-inflicted, due to worries over debt, jobs and relationships. It is a well-known fact stress can lead to many physiological ailments, back pain included. Stress can cause nervous disorders, strains and sprains from tension injuries, and a myriad of other ailments, commonly referred to as “back aches”, or “back pain” or something akin. There are also numerous chronic disorders stemming from everything from heredity to diet, and unknown sources, such as fibromyalgia. Muscles spasms can often fall into the same mysterious category. There are uncountable numbers of people walking around with as yet undiagnosed aches and pains they just put up with. Some patients are told they have degenerative diseases such as arthritis, and many of them find quelling relief in warm water. Many an arthritic patient will gladly swear by the curative effects of a spa or hot tub. A considerable number of the patients would find relief in the some of the types of therapy discussed previously.

Inverity cautions her readers to be sure to talk to their doctor before beginning any exercise program. She points out there are people who are not candidates for aquatic therapy, such as people with infections or symptoms thereof, or incontinence. She also mentions those who have cardiac disease, and interjects, for some others like these type patients, water therapy is not recommended. However, for the elderly, obese, injured and chronically ill who find it difficult to perform traditional therapeutic exercises outside the water, the risk of furthering or causing injury is decreased substantially. Aquatic therapy is a healthy alternative to traditional rehabilitative exercises for those with debilitating conditions.

Trina L. Grant is a health and fitness blogger, and professional freelance writer.

Image “Aquatic Ballet” courtesy sxc/berka
Image “Thermal Baths at Harnay” courtesy sxc/hbrinkman
Image “Health Gymnastics” courtesy sxc/hbrinkman