5 Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for Arthritis Pain

By: Olivia Mayo, PT, DPT

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition where there is swelling around a joint. There are many different types of arthritis; however, the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. With osteoarthritis, joints have increased swelling due to degeneration of cartilage, or the substance that covers the end of bones. In a typical joint, cartilage allows bones to glide smoothly and free of pain as cartilage does not contain nerves. However, when this cartilage wears away, the bone underneath is exposed. Exposed bone rubs during joint movement resulting in pain as bones have nerves that sense pain.

Arthritis is a common condition that is often seen after years of impact on joints. Risk factors for developing arthritis include increased age, obesity, and previous injury. Common symptoms of arthritis include swelling, pain, decreased joint motion, and stiffness. Treatment for arthritis is aimed at improving joint function and decreasing symptoms. One beneficial option for treatment is aquatic physical therapy.

What is Aquatic Physical Therapy?

The goal of physical therapy, and aquatic therapy specifically, is to assess and treat movement dysfunction through exercise to improve daily function. Physical therapy often involves addressing impairments in muscles, bones, and nerves with noninvasive exercises and manual techniques. Due to the properties of water, there are many benefits of aquatic therapy to address arthritis.

Aquatic Physical Therapy and Exercise Provides:

1. Low impact activity.
Buoyancy is the upward pressure exerted by water, which allows for decreased force on joints. Exercising in water at the belly-button level reduces joint impact by 50 percent.

2. Increased muscle strengthening.
Water’s ability  to provide resistance allows for increased strengthening. With arthritis, muscle strength is important because muscles help stabilize joints, which results in less force between bones.

3. Increased joint mobility.
Aquatic therapy allows for greater motion of joints as warm water relaxes muscles and water offloads joints. “Motion is lotion” is an idea that is very applicable to acquatic therapy and arthritis since movement allows for greater nourishment for joints and decreases pain levels.

4. Increased exercise and weight loss.
Weight loss can have a significant effect on decreasing arthritis pain as less weight provides less force on joints. The aquatic setting allows individuals to participate in longer durations of aerobic exercise, which may lead to weight loss.

5. Reduced swelling.
Hydrostatic pressure, or pressure exerted by water on the body, helps decrease excess fluid accumulations and swelling in joints.

If you are interested in aquatic therapy, these services are offered at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Bon Air and Reynolds outpatient locations. Contact us today to schedule an aquatic therapy appointment.

 

References

2021. “Arthritis.” Mayo Clinic. 1607 N. Market Street, Champaign, IL 61820: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. September 15, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772.

Layne, Melissa. 2015. Water Exercise. 1607 N. Market Street, Champaign, IL 61820: Human Kinetics.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Weight-Bearing Interventions In Stroke Recovery

Experiencing a stroke can lead to motor impairments, including hemiparesis, which is a weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These impairments can often impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, driving, walking, and using the restroom. Traditionally, physical and occupational therapy focus on helping people adapt to these changes; however, research is now recommending methods that help recover function. Weight-bearing, or putting weight on an individual’s affected arm or leg, supports stroke recovery by helping the brain and body work better together to improve balance, coordination, and strength.

Making Your Bathroom Safer

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it’s often the most hazardous—especially for those with mobility challenges, balance issues, or those recovering from injury or surgery. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can significantly improve the safety of your bathroom and make your daily routines more comfortable and confident. Here are some practical tips to help you create a safer, smarter space.

Simple Stroke Recovery Exercises & Therapy You Can Do At Home

Are you recovering from a stroke at home? Staying home doesn’t have to mean a standstill in your rehabilitation progress! There are plenty of activities you can do in your home to maintain and continue your recovery after inpatient stroke rehabilitation care.

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.