Aquatics Therapy for Back Injuries
The spine is the only solid structure connecting the upper body to the lower body. As a result of this, the amount of compression on the intervertebral discs and vertebrae can be great. But due to the buoyant effect of water, pressure on the discs and vertebrae is reduced when in the water! Depending on the depth a person achieves in the pool, up to 70% of the force on the spine can be removed!
The Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy
Research shows that aquatic therapy is just as effective as traditional land therapy in rehabilitation and regaining functional use of the knee after ACL repair. Aquatic therapy has also been shown to improve balance and proprioception in patients with arthritis in the lower extremities
What Types of Exercises are Done in the Pool?
Aquatic Therapy uses many of the same functional exercises and stretches that traditional land-based therapy performs. However, because of the buoyancy provided by water, the loading and stress on the spine and joints are reduced.
But Isn’t Exercise in the Pool Easier than on Land?
The resistance available in an aquatic setting is determined by the speed at which the exercise is done and by the drag produced by the exercise equipment. So as your fitness improves, the exercises are adjusted to increase the challenge to your muscular system. This can be by increasing drag or exercise tempo.
Questions about aquatic therapy & how it can help you? Give us a call (661) 324-0122
The properties of the saltwater combined with the skill and specialized training of our aquatic therapists will help you to improve your mobility and function. Studies have shown that patients who cannot exercise on land will often be able to exercise in the water.
Aquatic therapy is a great option for many people with lower-body injuries or low back pain because you have less stress on your joints which results in lower pain levels with exercises. Those with low back pain or radiating pain into the legs can also use the pool to provide decompression of the spine.
Aquatic Therapy offered in our 90° saltwater pool has many benefits for a vast number of conditions.
The Buoyancy of the water reduces the gravitational pull which relieves stress on painful, achy joints and allows for low-impact exercises. Our pool therapy reduces pain and increases joint flexibility and movement of the body. For those with balance or mobility issues, our pool therapy can challenge your stability to increase your reaction time without any fear of falling.
The Viscosity of water provides resistance which can strengthen your muscles and stabilize your core, while also improving your range of motion. The resistance can be used as a tool to challenge your balance as well.
Water also provides pressure which is called Hydrostatic pressure. This can help with swelling in the extremities and increase circulation.
Our saltwater pool is kept at a relaxing 90 degrees. This temperature is purposeful for providing comfort and promoting relaxation. The warm water also increases the blood supply to sore muscles and reduces abnormal tone due to neurological injury.