One of the challenges of recovering from an injury or illness is the impact of traditional exercise—running, jumping, lifting, and twisting—on the body. Fortunately, with the help of physical therapists and aquatic therapy, patients can recover at their own pace without strain. Here’s what you should know about aquatic therapy and the role it plays in recovery.

Understanding Aquatic Therapy

What Is Aquatic Therapy? 

Aquatic therapy takes place in a swimming pool under controlled circumstances. Physical therapists receive additional training before working with patients in water. They treat patients in conjunction with athletic trainers, exercise therapists, and family doctors, creating custom care plans to raise fitness levels and aid recovery from injury. 

Unlike a water aerobics class, aquatic therapy is one-on-one. Equipment may or may not be used, depending on the condition your therapist is treating. Water aerobics participants aren’t monitored by a medical professional. Aquatic therapy, however, is a medically supervised rehabilitation treatment. 

How Can Aquatic Therapy Benefit You? 

Water lifts physical therapy patients up. Being buoyant in the water, you can move more comfortably. Exercising in a pool also helps improve balance and coordination as you work to regain flexibility and strength. Additionally, since water is 600 to 700 times more resistant than air, it builds muscle. Regaining muscle is essential to your physical recovery.

Warm water also reduces muscle spasms. You’ll enjoy a more comfortable therapy session in a heated pool. Besides, being in the water is fun. When you’re enjoying what you’re doing, you’ll stay committed to your fitness and recovery goals.

Whether you’re struggling with mobility or recovering from an injury, turn to Enterprise Therapy Center for rehabilitation. Since 2002, this trusted physical therapy center has been helping clients with sports injuries using aquatic therapy. To find out more about how they can serve you, visit their website, or give their office a call at (334) 393-7500.