Benefits of a Hydrotherapy Pool
Hydrotherapy pools use a combination of water pressure, temperature, and jets to stimulate circulation, ease pain, relax muscles, and relieve stress.
Physiotherapists and GPs prescribe hydrotherapy as part of a structured treatment program for various conditions. Your therapist will guide you through movements and exercises that are tailored to your specific needs.
Increased resistance
If you suffer from pain or a disability that prevents you from exercising on land, a hydrotherapy pool can be a great way to get your muscles strong and your body fit again. As the water is able to support your weight, you can exercise your muscles without any pressure on the joints and so reduce the chances of injury.
It is a safe form of exercise and so many people with arthritis have reported that it helps to relieve their symptoms. The warm water also encourages blood flow and reduces swelling, so it can help to speed up recovery time.
You may feel a little nervous before you start a session in the hydrotherapy pool but the therapist will be able to give you plenty of advice on how to prepare for it and what to expect. It is also important to keep your mind positive and to try and relax when you are in the water so that your muscles are not tightened up.
A hydrotherapy session is usually around 30 minutes long and you will normally attend once a week for five or six weeks. During your sessions, the therapist will use different techniques to strengthen and improve the range of motion in your joints. You will be encouraged to perform these exercises regularly and will likely see progress over time.
When you are in the water, the resistance that you experience is a combination of the buoyancy that water has and the amount of drag or turbulence (the movement of the water). This can be altered depending on how fast you move the water, what direction you move it in and the level of water.
The therapist can use this to their advantage and will be able to increase the amount of resistance in the water depending on the type of exercise that is being performed. These can include walking, floating, general body movements and stretches.
During a session, your therapist will guide you through each exercise and help you to understand the correct technique so that you can complete it safely. It is important that you follow the therapist’s instructions closely and remember to tell them if you are feeling uncomfortable or struggling. This will allow them to make any necessary adjustments and ensure that you are getting the most out of your session.
Reduced pain
Water is a natural pain reliever and can help to reduce inflammation in joints. It also decreases the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine, which can lead to reduced pain and a sense of well-being.
Hydrotherapy is a type of exercise that can be done in a pool and can help reduce pain in people with arthritis, back pain, or osteoarthritis. It also helps improve mobility and strength.
Often, a hydrotherapy session will be led by a physiotherapist or other healthcare professional. The therapist will first assess your condition and give you an idea of what exercises are most suitable for you.
Then they will guide you down a few steps into the pool. If you have trouble with stairs or are unable to get in and out of the pool, they may use a mechanical hoist to assist hydrotherapy pool you. There will also be a rail around the pool for support if you need it.
It is important to drink plenty of water after a hydrotherapy session, as this will help to hydrate your body and remove toxins from the system. It is also common to feel hungry following a hydrotherapy session.
Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis experience less pain and a better quality of life with regular aquatic therapy sessions. The main reason is that the water can increase the body’s resistance to pain and inflammation by increasing muscle strength.
A hydrotherapy session can also be an ideal way to increase your cardiovascular health. It is low impact and can be performed on a regular basis, so it is often more accessible than other forms of physical activity.
In addition, hydrotherapy can help to reduce inflammation in joints and can be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also improve your balance and flexibility, so you can move more freely.
Some hydrotherapy practices can be quite simple and involve sitting in a warm bath or in a heated whirlpool, while others are more advanced, such as a cold sauna. Some even use jets of water to massage the body, such as with a Kneipp system.
Improved balance
Improved balance is a key part of rehabilitation and can be achieved with pool-based exercises. This is a great way to exercise your body with little risk of injury and falls.
The buoyancy of water reduces gravity’s force on the body, making it easy for people to move without pain or discomfort. It can also help them learn how to walk again without falling down.
For older adults with balance problems, a hydrotherapy pool can be an excellent place to start working on this issue. This will allow them to get back into a routine of walking, avoiding falling as they begin to build up their muscle strength and confidence.
Physical therapists often use the hydrotherapy pool to help people who have balance issues learn how to walk again. This will help them avoid future accidents and fall injuries, as they can work on improving their gait, speed and leg strength with the water’s buoyancy and resistance jets.
In one study, a woman who was bedridden for two years was able to improve her balance and leg strength by using an underwater treadmill with resistance jets in a therapy pool. She had been having difficulty running because her legs were weak, but she is now able to run with confidence and has improved both her balance and gait efficiency.
Hydrotherapy is a proven treatment for neurological and spinal cord rehabilitation. This includes patients with a wide range of conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
Studies show that patients who undergo a rehabilitation program in a hydrotherapy pool tend to have better balance than those who do the same type of rehabilitation in hydrotherapy pool land-based facilities. This helps them maintain their independence and stay active.
This type of therapy can also be used to treat chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. It also improves heart and lung function.
Another benefit of hydrotherapy is its ability to increase blood flow to the muscles. This improves the healing process and can decrease joint tenderness and swelling.
This can be helpful if you have suffered from an accident or injury, as it will reduce the pain and swelling associated with the injuries. This will allow you to recover faster and more effectively.
Relaxation
Water can be a great tool for relaxing the body, as it provides buoyancy, which relieves stress on the joints. This can improve range of motion and prevent overuse injuries. Hydrotherapy can also reduce pain, and is often used as a treatment for arthritis, back pain, or muscle injuries.
In addition to the physical benefits of hydrotherapy, the effect on the mind can be beneficial as well. It may help to improve sleep, increase energy levels, and relieve depression and anxiety.
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, and it is usually performed in a pool or whirlpool. It is typically done by a therapist and can be very relaxing, as it is a low-impact form of exercise.
The water in a hydrotherapy pool is heated to between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, which is warmer than most swimming pools. This helps to stimulate the blood flow and release tight muscles.
Some forms of hydrotherapy, such as watsu, involve a massage while submerged in the water. This is a popular form of treatment for athletes, who use it to relieve sore muscles after a hard workout or game.
Another way that hydrotherapy can be relaxing is by using a hot tub. Hot tubs can be filled with Epsom salt, lavender oil, or jasmine to create a soothing experience. They also make an excellent tool for water exercise, as the water is shallow enough to stand in, but deep enough to be a good strength training tool.
In addition, the movement of the water causes turbulence that provides resistance for the body. This can help to strengthen the muscles and improve balance and coordination.
It is also a good idea to hydrate after your session, as you will likely feel hungry and may want to eat. Drink plenty of water to ensure that your body can remove toxins from the water and rehydrate itself.