Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a form of exercise resembling swimming. The primary difference is that water therapy is a series of activities done in a warm pool of water.

Athletes have been using water to encourage quicker muscle and injury recovery, so it should come as no surprise that the average Joe can benefit as well. While many Americans have found healing powers emotionally while being close to the water, it can do wonders for your bones and joints. Physical therapy and exercise that takes place in water are incredibly beneficial. One of the significant benefits is that it reduces the stress put on bones and joints. For individuals that have a limited range of motion or mobility due to age, injury, or other limitations, water offers incredible benefits. Water provides resistance without the heaviness of weights and can help with strength and endurance. It also allows for movement without pain as water provides a buoyancy that takes the pressure off knees, hips, and ankles. For individuals who suffer from illness, aqua therapy provides an easy exercise with a multitude of benefits. Improved cardiovascular conditioning, increased range of motion, flexibility, balance, and coordination, to name a few. When movement seems nearly impossible, water is often the best environment to get the body moving. This, in turn, can help emotionally as any type of exercise does wonders for the spirit.

Hydrotherapy is a growing therapy for individuals challenged with arthritis, Parkinson's Disease, and Cerebral Palsy, among so many other things. In considering options in exercise and recovery, water is one of the best!