Benefits of Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Exercise

16 Sep Benefits of Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Exercise

WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY?

Hydrotherapy is a form of gentle physical therapy or exercise performed in water.

Hydrotherapy can be incredibly beneficial for those living with pain as it is a low-impact activity using water for resistance and support. Warm water can also help loosen muscles and joints, improve mobility and relieve tension.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY?

Water has the power to soothe, heal and rejuvenate! The benefits of hydrotherapy for injury treatment, strengthening and recovery have been demonstrated in clinical studies and medical research.

In fact, the mere sight and sound of water can induce a flood of neurochemicals that promote wellness, increase blood flow to the brain and heart, and induce relaxation.

Hydrotherapy offers significant advantages compared to other traditional exercise physiology treatments, including:

BUOYANCY

The natural buoyancy of water comfortably supports your weight and reduces stress on joints. Exercises and treatments are easier, more comfortable, and safer performed in water.

The buoyancy of warm water eliminates the effects of gravity, enabling a much greater variety of exercises and movements, which may not be possible on land. This is especially beneficial for those with arthritis, joint pain or those that cannot withstand high-impact exercises, like jumping.

VISCOSITY

Hydrotherapy participants benefit from water resistance, which is great for muscle strengthening.

For those who can’t effectively perform standard land-based resistance programs or lift weights, hydrotherapy can involve using resistance gloves, aquatic dumbbells, small pool noodles, hand paddles, weighted leg straps, rings and fabric resistance bands to enhance muscle strength.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

Water supports muscle tissue and bones naturally, helping relieve swelling in damaged or sore areas and improve joint position awareness in rehabilitation therapies.

WARMTH

Warm water is not just comfortable and soothing, it also relaxes muscle tissues and vasodilates (widens) blood vessels, which allows for increased blood flow and more efficient healing of injuries.

The warm water can also decrease swelling and inflammation and increase circulation. 

Traditionally, hydrotherapy has been targeted to the older populations or as purely a rehabilitative pathway, however Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) in this space, like the team at Capital Hydrotherapy, are challenging that traditional view and redefining the meaning and feeling around the word “hydrotherapy”.

Hydrotherapy should be available and encouraged to everyone as a preventative measure, a wellness program, an internal reset and a health and fitness enhancer.

WHAT IS HYDROLATES™?

Hydrolates™ is aquatic Pilates in its purest form! It’s a form of movement programming in the water that emphasises the balanced development of the body through core awareness, postural strengthening, mobility and breathing.

The Hydrolates™ system is first based on a wall (wall Pilates) to create awareness and “centering”, then gradually transitions to a suspended movement pattern. The programming uses equipment such as balls, small and full-length pool noodles, resistance gloves and fabric resistance bands to improve resistance, efficiency and awareness in the water.

Hydrolates™ is incredibly versatile and it can be of great benefit if you are:

• Rehabilitating from an injury or surgery:
  Hydrolates™ can assist to regain lost strength, conditioning, mobility, balance and motor control. It’s a fabulous way to transition back to sport or work or to return to your activities of daily living.
• Wanting to improve postural conditioning:
  If you work in a typical office desk job, prolonged sitting often leads to weak posture, which can result in back or neck pain and stiffness. Hydrolates™ can help stabilise and strengthen your postural muscles.
• Pre- or post-natal: 
  The Hydrolates™ system can be tailored to suit women who are pregnant to help manage the physical changes and challenges involved with pregnancy. The programming also helps to prevent pregnancy-related symptoms such as back and pelvic pain, sciatic pain, etc. Hydrolates™ also has a major role with post-partum recovery and can assist women to strengthen their pelvic floor.
• Training in a sport:
  Hydrolates™ is a great way to assist in injury prevention. It can help to fine-tune the skills required for all sports. Hydrolates can add that extra dimension to your current training program and increase sports performance.

The team at Capital Hydrotherapy have provided 14 of their favourite Hydrolates™ exercises for you to try at home or at your local pool. View them here. 

WANT HELP EXERCISING RIGHT?

It is important to seek expertise from an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) to ensure your health is optimised and your exercise routine supports you throughout your life.

AEPs are the most qualified professional in Australia to prescribe exercise and they work with a wide range of clients to improve their health, performance, ability and independence.

Find your local AEP here.

Written by Accredited Exercise Scientists and Accredited Exercise Physiologists, Kirra Rankin and Rachel McNamara from Capital Hydrotherapy. 

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