How Aquatic Exercise Can Help Your Balance

Do you sometimes feel unsteady on your feet? Have you recently fallen because of this?

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults age 65 and older. Every year, one-third of people over age 65 fall, and two-thirds of people who fall have a second fall within six months.

Lack of physical activity is one of the leading risk factors of falls. Failure to exercise on a daily basis can result in decreased strength, poor muscle tone, and loss of flexibility and bone mass, but aquatic physical therapy may be a good place to begin improving your balance. Exercising in the pool has the following effects:

  • The fluid gradient of water allows for increased control as it flows around you
  • Water causes buoyancy and reduces the stress on your joints allowing more fluid movements

Here are five exercises you can perform in the pool to improve balance:

Single Leg Stance
Tandem Walking
Heel Raises
Step Ups
Marching In Place

For an added challenge, try these exercises with your eyes closed, without holding onto the pool’s edge, or with your feet closer together, which makes your support base narrower.

Sheltering Arms offers therapeutic pool memberships as well as a variety of aquatic group exercise classes. Click the button below to see our full list of classes and options available to you.

Health & Wellness Classes

References:
http://www.athleticpt.com/blog/physical-therapy/6-aquatic-physical-therapy-exercises-to-improve-your-balance.html
https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20447378/total-body-water-workout
https://4vector.com/free-vector/data-analysis-and-statistics-icon-vector-19362

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Heat vs. Ice – Which is Better for Your Pain?

Are you experiencing pain or swelling, but are unsure if you should reach for an ice pack or a heating pad to find relief? Choosing the right therapy can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Learn when to apply cold or heat to get the best results.

Coping with Anxiety After A Stroke

It’s common for stroke survivors and their family members to feel anxious after a stroke. So much changes so suddenly. As a stroke survivor myself, I certainly experienced anxiety: in the hospital, at the rehab center, and after I returned home. Not only were my physical and mental abilities different, but my family had to adjust as well. From coping with uncertainty to rebuilding daily routines, learn how to manage post-stroke anxiety and regain a sense of control.

Physical Therapy vs. Physical Rehabilitation – What’s the Difference?

When we think of physical rehabilitation, many people aren’t aware of all the different therapies and treatments that it includes. People often associate physical therapy and physical rehabilitation as one and the same; however, physical therapy is actually under the umbrella of physical rehabilitation. So, what is the difference between the two, and what are the different types of physical rehabilitation?

Complete vs. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Have you or someone you know had a medical event that resulted in a spinal cord injury? A spinal cord injury can dramatically impact movement, sensation, and daily life. Learn about the different types of injuries, how they’re classified, and how rehabilitation can support recovery.

Sore Arm from a Shot? Here’s What to Do

Arm soreness after a flu shot or vaccine is a common side effect that can make movement uncomfortable. Learn simple exercises that may help reduce the pain and speed up recovery.

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.