What is aquatic therapy?
Hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy is the treatment of the body through the use of water. In the water, it is one of the most advisable means for the recovery and treatment of a large number of musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies.
Working in the pool with the patient allows the weight of their body to be reduced, facilitating their mobility and, with it, the possibility of carrying out exercises that could not be done. This benefits their body and significantly improves their mood, which is essential to achieve their recovery or improve their quality of life.
"Aquatic therapy takes advantage of the properties of water as a resource to improve people's health".
In short, aquatic therapy deals with the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of the patient's health, wellbeing and fitness problems in an aquatic environment. It is effective for people of all ages, with special needs due to chronic illness or rehabilitation for injuries.
Comfortable and safe access is essential for people with reduced mobility to fully enjoy aquatic therapies. A variety of pool lifts and equipment options are available on the market, including electric and hydraulic models, which should be selected according to the specific needs of each user. In addition, whenever possible, it is important to promote autonomous access solutions that allow patients to enter and exit on their own. This not only facilitates their participation in therapy, but also contributes significantly to strengthening their independence and self-esteem.
What are the benefits of aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy interventions offer to maintain and even improve the functions and mechanics of our body. Movement, balance, coordination, agility, strength and power or aerobic capacity that are easily worked on in the water, greatly promote the activation of the body and stabilise the body's postural position.
The benefits of these water therapies are many; we highlight some of the numerous benefits:
- It promotes joint mobility as it reduces the impact of movements on the joints.
- It helps to improve breathing and promotes blood circulation.
- It produces a relaxing effect on both the patient's body and mind.
- Reduces the chances of muscle contractures.
- Helps to improve the immune system.
- Increases muscle strength and power.
- Facilitates movement and allows for greater elasticity in movement.
Aquatic therapy has been shown to be able to reduce the rehabilitation time of patients and to improve the quality of life of many patients with locomotor pathologies. Its effects are positive for all people and all ages: children, adults and the elderly.
Some pathologies affecting the locomotor system stand out where aquatic therapies can offer greater benefits or results:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Muscular atrophies
- Diseases with alterations in balance and co-ordination
- Mechanical pathologies
- Vascular pathologies
- Multiple sclerosis
Consult your physiotherapist or doctor to find out more about hydrotherapies and their benefits in pools or centres near you.
