aquatic physical therapy

Aquatic Physical Therapy at Home

In Ask the Pool Experts, Pool Tips by celement

When a Swimming Pool Becomes Your Best Medicine

A swimming pool in your home gives you immediate access to many ways to keep in shape, invite people to have a great time or create memories. It can also increase the value of your property.  And you may know the benefits of having a hot tub to release stress after a hard day’s work.

When it comes to medical treatments, there is also good news. Many medical experts have proved that adapted swimming is a sport that people with physical or neurological disabilities can perform.

Swimming Can Help Neurological & Physical Disabilities

The aquatic environment has psychological benefits including re-developing social skills, and even how to set and reach goals.  On the physical side, it can help muscular development and mobility, since the water allows movements where, on dry land, can be very difficult.   Let’s not forget that with any exercise, it will help to strengthen, relax and tone the body.

The key factor for water therapy is water temperature.  In most cases, pools that are used for physical therapy typically have warmer water. Using water ranging between 83 º F and 88 º F, helps to relax muscles and make stretching exercises easier.

Many orthopedic therapists perform routines in water where patients feel an improvement in blood circulation and easily heal temporary orthopedic damages. It improves the postural tone and encourages more natural movement out of the water.

Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis & Other Spine Injuries

For patients who suffer from multiple sclerosis, this type of therapy is also beneficial.   In recent studies in Spain, MS patients noticed an improvement in their quality of life after using water therapy.  Some mentioned that their respiratory system improved, while others claim that they don’t feel anxious nor depressed anymore.  Most importantly, many improved their resistance towards pain by strengthening their muscles.

Swimming is a low-impact exercise that, in water, means low resistance and gravity that helps to have a wide range of movements.  This means that for those who depend on crutches or wheelchairs to move on land, can exercise many areas of the body where, otherwise, cannot do on dry land.

Like all exercises, swimming incites the patient to have a more positive attitude.  This means a faster way to improve their physical mobility.

It is important that you consult your physician before to embark on any type of exercise or therapy.

At Platinum Pools, we have a designing team that will help you with your needs to improve your quality of life.  Contact us today!