Water Exercise Therapy: Benefits & Who Can Benefit

Because of the buoyancy of water, aquatic exercise therapy is easier than land exercise for many individuals. Although water exercise therapy is good for everyone, people with specific conditions may benefit more.

Obesity

• Obese individuals can benefit greatly from water therapy. Aquatic aerobics or even water jogging, walking, jumping, kicking and swimming gets the heart rate up and burns calories quickly.

Physically Disabled

• People that are physically disabled can benefit from water therapy. With the assistance of flotation devices, the physically disabled can more easily obtain a workout in the water.

Decreased Bone Density

• Weight lifting or high-impact cardiovascular exercises may be too vigorous for many people who have low bone density. Instead, these individuals can use water therapy to receive a workout that is less strenuous.

Osteoarthritis

• People suffering from osteoarthritis have pain and swelling in their knees, joints, hips, feet and spine. Exercising on the land, such as running or even weight lifting, can be too painful. Water therapy is gentler and easier for an individual with osteoarthritis. This also applies to people suffering from arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia.

Pain or Muscle Problems

• People who have conditions that cause pain or muscle ailments can benefit from the use of water therapy. Water weights or even a low-impact water exercise can alleviate muscle tension or even relieve pain.

Benefitting from Aquatic Therapy

• Other individuals who may benefit from water therapy include people with respiratory and circulatory problems, pregnant women, cardiac diseases, balance deficits, poor motor coordination, sensory disorders and weakness.