[ patient handout]

Understanding

water can be used for vasodilation, which draws Benefits blood into the tissues. This increased blood flow Just about everyone can benefit from aquatic delivers the necessary oxygen and nutrients while therapy or water exercise. But people with these removing cell wastes. Warm water also decreases specific injuries/conditions will also see improved muscle spasm, relieves pain, increases range of results from this therapy: arthritis, fractures, joint motion and relaxes tense muscles. Cold-water ther- sprains, torn ligaments, sports injuries, knee/hip apy can be used for vasoconstriction, which slows replacement, muscle spasms, back or neck pain, circulation in the body. This is helpful for patients fibromyalgia, pregnancy-related pain, walking or with inflammation, muscle spasm or pain. balance issues, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, stroke and lymphedema. Here are just a few ben- Types of Aquatic Therapy efits of working in the water: : Developed in Japan in the 1990s, this exer- 1. Relaxation: The temperature of water cise is designed to strengthen and tone the body can be controlled to help relax muscles as well while promoting relaxation. The principle of a as blood vessels. This can lead to an increased healthy mind-body relationship is encouraged. blood flow in injured areas. For patients with back Aquatic PNF: A form of active aquatic therapy pain or acute pain, the water can be something designed after the movement patterns of pro- to look forward to. here’s something pretty relaxing about prioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Patients 2. Resistance: Have you ever performed an water. Whether you’re in it for exercise or perform specific exercises while standing, sitting, exercise in the water? It can be pretty tough recreation, water can do amazing things kneeling or laying in the water. thanks to the viscosity of water. That resistance Tfor the body. Not only can it keep indi- Bad Ragaz Ring Method: During these exer- creates increased muscle strength without the viduals healthy and trim, it can also be used as a cises, an individual is instructed through a series need to use weights. beneficial form of therapy. Aquatic therapy refers of movements while supported by rings or floats 3. Buoyancy: Floating in the water can be to exercise programs performed in the water. It is in the water. fun, but buoyancy can actually help support a very beneficial form of therapy and is used for Back Hab: This form of therapy is based on a the weight of a patient. Water lessens the stress a variety of medical conditions. walking program in the pool that uses a vari- placed on joints, which makes exercises less pain- ety of strides and stretches. This is a great form ful to perform. How It Works of therapy for individuals with back pain, ham- 4. Pressure: Water creates hydrostatic pressure, Aquatic therapy has been around for a long string injuries, or those looking to increase which can decrease swelling and allow a patient time. Injured American soldiers returning from abdominal strength. to be better aware of joint position. Patients can World War I and World War II used this type of Fluid Moves: Individuals follow a series of move- feel a better sense of relative placement which therapy. All over the world people practice the ments based on the early developmental stages will also improve exercises. The hydrostatic therapeutic benefits of water, from Roman tubs of infancy. pressure can also assist in decreasing joint and to hot springs. Patients have seen improvements Concept: In this therapy, the water is soft-tissue swelling. in endurance, strength, pulmonary function, pain used with rotational patterns to help teach bal- Keep in mind that aquatic therapy is not for and even self-esteem. ance and postural control. everyone. Individuals with cardiac disease, fevers, Techniques of aquatic therapy vary and are Swim Stroke Training and Modification: Not incontinence or infections should typically avoid often specific to injury or condition. There are used for swimming skills, this therapy promotes aquatic therapy. Remember to discuss your condi- exercises specific to improving flexibility and the actual stroke in a variety of forms. tions with your physician before beginning any strength training, as well as ambulatory exercise Task-Type Training Approach: This was first aquatic therapy program. n and therapeutic swimming. Certain injuries will used as a way to teach functional activities to require personalized programs, while others individuals who had sustained a stroke, but the This patient handout was compiled using the following resources: have sought the benefits of group exercise in principles can be applied to many disorders, espe- How to Define Aquatic Specialty Techniques: Operational the water. cially neurologic dysfunction. Definitions. www.aquaticnet.com. Accessed March 20, The water can be controlled depending on the : Modeled after the principles of Zen ­Shiatsu 2010. outcome one is looking for. The best way to do this (). Patients are moved in a manner allow- Aquatic therapy. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatic_therapy. is through the temperature of the water. Warmer ing one part of the body to stretch at a time. Accessed March 20, 201

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