Water therapy treatment, also known as hydrotherapy, pool therapy or aquatic therapy, has been used in strength-training, aerobics and rehabilitation programs . According to spine-health.com, the water's buoyancy counteracts gravity and helps support body weight in a controlled fashion. Water can decrease stress while strengthening the body.
Healthier Environment
Water therapy is easier on the body than land-based exercises. According to dummies.com, people using water therapy experience a lower exhaustion factor than those involved in similar land-based activities. One reason is because water provides natural resistance to any movement through providing a gentle friction. Since water is 12 to 14 times thicker than air, the result is a more beneficial workout. The natural resistance makes water-based movements more deliberate and results-oriented. This results in increased muscle tone without the added chance of further injury.
Suitable For All Fitness Levels
Water suits all physical levels. Water therapy treatments are helpful for pregnant women, those with muscular sclerosis, osteoporosis, other degenerative diseases, disabled and/or handicapped individuals and people of all ages. Water therapy is useful for rehabilitating from skeletal and/or muscular injuries since it decreases the impact put upon the joints.
Water therapy also benefits mental fitness. It can be used to decrease stress levels, decrease depression, increase concentration, increase focus, improve clarity and heighten awareness functioning.
According to exercisegoals.com, sleep enhancement is another benefit of water therapy treatments.
Pain Relief
Water therapy treatments can ease aches and pains. The water's buoyancy reduces joint exertion and impact, making it very beneficial for those suffering from back problems, joint pain and other musculoskeletal injuries. The buoyancy of water allows an increase in range of motion since it supports the body better than a land-based medium would, states dummies.com. Water is routinely used as a form of physical therapy for musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
Cardiovascular System
Water therapy treatments such as swimming and water aerobics can help improve circulation and muscle blood flow, increase lung capacity and strengthen the heart through hydrostatic pressure, states the American Heart Association and exercisegoals.com. You can get a good cardiovascular workout without working up a sweat. The water's natural resistance makes the heart and lungs work harder, resulting in better tone and operating efficiency.
Weight Concerns
Water therapy treatments are known for helping individuals lose or maintain weight, states exercisegoals.com. Since water provides a natural resistance and buoyancy, more calories can be burned than in similar land-based exercises. Workout intensity can also be adjusted, resulting in more caloric burning.
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