While it may not seem like it, there is always the risk of injury in many of the hobbies and activities we enjoy, from our daily exercises as adults to our kids’ sports activities and swimming lessons in Singapore. As such, it is vital to always take the necessary safety measures to reduce this risk, whether by warming up properly or wearing protective gear like swim trainers or bike helmets.

That said, these do not necessarily mean you are completely safe and may still sustain injuries, but hopefully only minor ones. Getting injured certainly puts a damper on our everyday life, and we get increasingly impatient for the day when we fully recover. Thankfully, there are many ways to hasten this recovery process, one of the best being aquatic therapy! Read on to learn more about how this method of physical therapy works to get back on your feet.

What is aquatic therapy?

Aquatic or water therapy is a form of physical therapy conducted in pools, ideally in heated ones (around 35˚C), so patients can relax their bodies instead of tensing up like they would in colder water. Since water is buoyant and denser than air, performing exercises in water exerts much less force on the injured body parts, which means less stress and pain as you heal. The water’s density also puts light pressure on your skin, promoting better circulation, reducing inflammation around the injury and accelerating the healing process.

Unlike conventional physical practices, there is a significantly lower risk of further injuring yourself with water therapy. For instance, if you slip, there is no risk of hurting yourself as the water catches you and simply keeps you afloat. Water therapy can treat various physical injuries like those affecting the bones and soft tissue as well as neuromuscular conditions. Some examples include:

• Back pain.
• Back injuries.
• Swelling or bruising.
• Head injuries or stroke.
• Musculoskeletal conditions such as frozen shoulder, groin sprains, and ankle sprains.
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
• Injuries following surgery for knee or hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, and so on.

Core benefits of aquatic therapy

1. Resistance and buoyancy

As mentioned, water’s higher density offers more resistance in all directions, which is incredibly helpful during exercise, while its buoyancy takes the weight off your body. These two combined allow for functional exercises that let you regain your strength and range of motion that would otherwise be difficult on land while putting less strain and impact on your body.

2. Pain relief

Water therapy is well known for its capacity to relieve symptoms and pain from many disorders, like reducing joint pain among those with osteoarthritis and improving their mobility, balance, and function.

3. Increased blood circulation

The heat and weight of the water in a warm pool promote flexibility and blood circulation that decreases swelling, reduces inflammation, and heals injuries.

4. Safe

Exercising in a pool is far safer than doing it on land as you feel anxious about the risk of exacerbating your injuries. This is not the case when you’re in the water, as you get that sense of security that no falls or slips can set back your healing.

5. Mood booster

Water therapy can help you feel better mentally and emotionally as you recover from an injury. Rather than be stuck indoors, you can instead go outside and visit the pool to actively work on your recovery instead of just waiting for it to happen, making you stronger, happier, and confident at the same time.

Conclusion

Whether you have sustained tendon, bone, or muscle injuries, you can benefit greatly from the healing benefits of aquatic therapy without worrying about hurting yourself in trying to get better. And once you’ve healed, perhaps proper swimming lessons next could help you get further in your aquatic journey.

If you’re on the hunt for private adult swimming classes to improve your breath control and performance or to learn the basics of swimming, SG Condo Swimming Lessons is here to help. We provide interactive lessons at your condominium or private swimming pool taught by certified swimming coaches that help you maintain and perfect your swimming skills. For more information about our other swimming lessons for different age groups, don’t hesitate to contact us today!