Physical therapy is an excellent way to rehabilitate, recover, and improve overall health. Most people think of physical therapy as exercises and stretches done in a physical therapist’s office or at home using a variety of exercise equipment. What most people don’t realize is that rehabilitation and physical therapy can also be done in other settings, like in a pool.
Aquatic therapy is a treatment technique that is used in a physical therapy plan of care that is performed in a temperature-controlled pool under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. Aquatic therapy is a great component and tool for most rehabilitation plans. This treatment option can be a great way to help with chronic pain, post-op recovery, management of several health conditions, and improvement of overall fitness.
Let’s explore some reasons why aqua therapy is beneficial and where you can go in Mount Ayr, Iowa, to benefit from this innovative and effective therapy.
#1 Buoyancy Decreases Pressure on the Body
A lot of people suffer from pain while exercising due to the pressure it puts on their joints and injured body parts. Buoyancy is the force of water that you experience as upthrust. When your body is submerged in water, buoyancy supports your weight and reduces the amount of pressure on your body’s structures, which it normally bears on land. The more immersed you are in the water, the more pressure will be reduced on your body. As a result, you can perform exercises and movements in the water with very little strain on the joints. This aspect of aquatic therapy is especially useful if you have arthritis, chronic pain, following surgery or fracture, or are overweight.
#2 Water Resistance Helps Strengthen Muscles
Another benefit of aquatic therapy is the resistance it offers. While in the pool, your body works against the resistance of the water around you continuously from all different directions. This is great for resistance training to build muscle strength and functional endurance. Simple movements in the water can be greatly beneficial as you push against the water’s resistance. The continuous resistance from the water in addition to the benefits of buoyancy mentioned above provides a safe and productive environment for muscle building to improve strength and stability in your normal life.
#3 Aquatic Therapy Gets You A Good Workout
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that people of all ages, particularly seniors and injured individuals, should take advantage of. Even though it is light on the joints, exercise in water is just as effective at raising your heart rate, getting your blood flowing, and helping your body burn calories. If exercising in a gym or at home tires you out quickly or causes joint pain, swimming or aquatic therapy can be a great alternative. It is great for those who cannot exercise on land because of the increased strain on the joints. Aquatic therapy can get you the full benefits of exercise without compromising your bodily structures.
#4 Controlled Water Temperature Improves Blood Flow
Lastly, in an aquatic therapy pool, the temperature of the water is adjusted according to individual goals and requirements. The warmth of the water helps dilate blood vessels, relax muscles, and improve blood flow. The warmer temperatures are especially therapeutic if you have muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, or back pain. As such, you are likely to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed after aquatic therapy.
Aquatic Therapy in Mount Ayr, Iowa
If you have an injury or condition that may benefit from aquatic therapy, or if you would like to give aquatic therapy a try to improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance, look no further than Ringgold County Hospital (RCH) in Mount Ayr, Iowa. Our expert aquatic therapy providers can consult with you, understand your health needs, and recommend the most appropriate treatment, which very well may be aquatic therapy.
For more information about aquatic therapy at Ringgold County Hospital, call our friendly staff today at (641) 464-3226. We look forward to serving you!
