Aquatic therapy is effective for anyone who is wanting to build lean muscle mass, increase strength, reduce the risk of falling, maintain or improve bone health, or heal from injury.1 Aquatic exercising helps aging adults maintain their good health at a comfortable and functional level.1 Here are a couple benefits to aquatic therapy that may benefit a friend or a relative.
Unloading of Joints
One benefit of aquatic therapy is that it unloads the joints. Water provides low-impact, low-weight bearing exercise that allows the synovial fluid to bring nutrients to the joint surfaces and minimizes the risk of injury or undue stress on the joints.1
Aquatic therapy reduces the foot-striking forces that often “jar” muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. This makes it great alternative to jogging for the senior population.
Reduces Risk of Falls
Comprehensive aquatic treatment programs get patients back to their normal lives quicker. Targeting specific muscle groups becomes easier using water’s natural buoyancy to support a patient’s walking forwards, backwards, and sideways.1 Many patients find it easier to work on balance while in the water because it takes away the fear of falling.
Aquatic Exercises
Photo By: Sparrow Carson Hospital Water walking or jogging2- Forward and side lunges2
- One leg balance2
- Side-stepping2
These are just a two examples of how aquatic therapy is beneficial to the senior population. Not only does it benefit them with stability and less strain on the joints, it is also a great way for them to increase their muscle mass while burning fat. Aquatic therapy is also a wonderful way to exercise patients that suffer from osteoporosis by improving or maintaining bone health.1
References:
1Aquatic Exercise for an Aging Population. Retrieved July 5, 2015, from http://www.hydroworx.com/research-education/additional-resources/details.aspx?id=164&categoryId=152
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This is HUGE for us at our gym. We have so many aqua classes that people forget the beneficial movements for seniors. You hit on the two biggest ones: unloading of joints and balance. And, it really does help them get back a confidence they lost because of these issues. Thanks.
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