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Often times circumstances arise that impede our ability to get the proper amount of exercise that we need. Things like age, weakening muscles, and athletic injuries are all factors. Aquatic therapy is a form of exercise that lessens the strain placed on joints and muscles making it easier to get the exercise we need in the unfortunate event we are unable. What is aquatic therapy? Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy or exercise that takes place in the water. Movement in the water reduces the weight placed on bones and joints thus making exercise easier for those who suffer from arthritis, strains, or sprains. Water also provides resistance for those looking to strength or endurance train but also provides assistance for those who need help completing certain movements. The assistance provided by the water allows people to gradually evolve through various levels of exercise without the pain that can come from stress to the knees, hips, or ankles. How does aquatic therapy work? Aquatic therapy provides four distinctive traits that differentiate it from land-based exercise. Buoyancy provides assistance and support so that joints are not feeling the brunt of the weight of an individual. Aquatic therapy is usually provided in a heated pool, allowing muscles to relax in the warm water. It is easier for relaxed muscles to perform exercises in a full range of motion. Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the water surrounding the body keeps blood circulating from the legs to the heart, thus reducing the amount of swelling in the legs and feet. Resistance, the fourth trait, helps to develop better balance and strength in all muscle groups simultaneously. What are the benefits to aquatic therapy? Because water supports the body weight of an individual, aquatic therapy assists those who are undergoing physical therapy to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility at a faster rate. This is particularly important to athletes who are in training. For patients who suffer from illnesses like arthritis, aquatic therapy offers easy exercise that provides a multitude of benefits. Some of those benefits are improved muscle strength, increased cardiovascular strength, and increased range of motion, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination. Other noticeable benefits to aquatic therapy include decreased pain and stiffness, improved posture, enhanced relaxation, and better mobility because of reduced joint strain. Other results that are not typically noticed right away include higher self-esteem from accomplishing exercises, becoming more and more successful at completing tasks, and feeling better about their overall appearance. Who can benefit from aquatic therapy? Any individual can benefit from the use of aquatic therapy. For those that are physically fit, combining low-impact training with high-impact training can lead to quicker results. Individuals suffering from injuries to the back, knees, or ankles can use this as both a toning exercise and as a rehabilitation exercise. The same goes for those who have suffered from repetitive stress disorders, arthritis, or recipients of orthopedic surgeries. Aquatic therapy also provides relief for long-term sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Fibromyalgia. Often time’s individuals who suffer from obesity find it difficult to maneuver through a workout; however with aquatic therapy, their weight does not become an issue. The different exercises available provide an excellent workout that is easy for obese individuals.
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