Water has been, and still remains, the best environment to achieve full function regardless of the injury. Water improves motion and flexibility. The warmth of the water (94°F) and its massaging effects allow muscles to relax while helping to reduce pain. The natural buoyancy reduces gravitational pull and lessens compressive forces, hence making exercises much easier to perform than on land. Best of all, aquatic therapy can be used even if a patient does not know how to swim.
There are unique advantages to aqua therapy due to buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, water viscosity, turbulence, and the temperature of the water. These include:
- Muscle relaxation
- Increased peripheral circulation
- Gentle resistance for strength training
- Stimulated body awareness, balance, and trunk stability
- Decreased pain sensitivity
- Reduced apprehension of falling or pain during exercise
- Ability to stand and begin gait training and strengthening without causing damage to healing structures
