The Clinical Benefits of Aquatic Physiotherapy / Hydrotherapy for People with Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is classified as pain, anywhere in your body, that lasts for more than 3 months. It can be there all the time, or it may come and go. Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of reasons such as: Arthritis, Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Nerve Damage, Osteoporosis, Sports Injury, Spinal Cord Injury or sometimes the cause of the pain is unknown. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s life. It can make it difficult to work, complete activities of daily living or participate in recreational activities. It can also lead to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
There is no one-size-fits -all treatment for chronic pain but participating in a regular form of exercise such as aquatic therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for people of all ages and fitness levels. Aquatic therapy is a type of hydrotherapy that takes place in a heated pool. It can be an effective way to manage pain and improve function for people with chronic pain conditions. It can also be used to improve cardiovascular health, balance and coordination in people who are finding exercising on land too challenging.
The buoyancy of water helps to support the body and reduce stress on weight-bearing joints. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation. The warm water helps to relax muscles and improve flexibility. This can help to improve range of motion and make it easier to perform everyday activities. Water can be used to provide resistance, which can help to strengthen muscles and improve endurance which can help to improve overall function and reduce pain.
Aquatic exercises can help to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and breathing leading to an increase with fitness. Being able to exercise in a relatively pain free environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood and aid sleep. When you are well- rested you are better able to cope with pain thus improving your general feeling of wellbeing.
