Utilising water as a form of rehabilitation has been noted since ancient times. Whether the aim is to enhance overall wellbeing or as a form of rehabilitation as an adjunct to treatment, it is a gentle, accessible way to do so.

Whether you are elderly, pregnant, have chronic back pain or are an athlete, hydrotherapy boasts plenty of benefits for these groups and many more.

The benefits:

• Buoyancy in water takes weight off the joints, whilst allowing muscles to work freely.
• Water resistance provides a continuous, stable loading to the joints and muscles as you move limbs through the water.
• Enhanced healing process if using hot/cold.
• Enhanced relaxation.

Types of Water Therapies:

Hydrotherapy 

• Commonly uses temperature variations such as ice, steam, hot and cold water.
• With the goal of increasing blood flow to aid in recovery, hot and cold therapy may be accessed by hot/cold showers or cold plunge pools and spas and saunas.
• Cold water temporarily constricts blood flow to the peripheries of the body and concentrates in more central areas in the body, benefiting the organs and may have an analgesic effect.
• Can aid in wound recovery and lymphedema.
• Warm water dilates the blood vessels, sending increased flow to the peripheries which helps to relax muscles and decrease spasm.

Balneotherapy

Water immersion baths enriched with minerals, is often used for chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Aqua Therapy 

A group therapy led by an instructor, benefiting from the hydrostatic nature of the water against the muscles and joints, used to aid physical recovery from injuries or as a gentler form of exercise particularly useful for elderly exercises. 

Ideas for self-management or gentle exercise: 

• Walking up and down the length of the pool in at least waist deep water. Aiming to keep your core stable as you move.
• Standing leg swings: Place your hands on the edge of the pool for support and extend your leg behind, in front with a bent knee, then to both sides. 
• Rotations: In belly deep water, plant your feet and hips then rotate your torso and arms side to side, again using your core to stabilise.
• Ankles/wrist exercises: Mobilise by taking the wrists and ankles through circles under the water

There are many accessible ways to incorporate water to aid recovery or enhance general wellbeing.

For more information on whether water therapies might be beneficial to your personal circumstances, book an appointment with one of our excellent team of Massage/Myotherapists and Osteopaths at Blackburn Allied Health Group.