Role of aquatic therapy in rehabilitation

Verified by Dr. Nitin Menon, Lead Consultant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai and Dr. Shalu Shubham Keni, In-charge-Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”- Lao Tzu

Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy or water therapy, is a form of physical therapy that uses the properties of water to improve a person’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility. It is often used in rehabilitation for people with a variety of conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures
• Neurological conditions, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis
• Cardiopulmonary conditions, such as heart disease and asthma
• Obesity
• Pain management
• Wound healing

The buoyancy of water helps to reduce the weight that the body bears on its joints, which can make it easier to move and exercise. The warmth of the water can also help to relax muscles and reduce pain.

Aquatic therapy can be used to perform a variety of exercises, including:

• Range-of-motion exercises
• Strength training exercises
• Balance exercises
• Cardiopulmonary exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Aquatic relaxation

The exercises are tailored to the individual’s needs and goals. Aquatic therapy can be a safe and effective way to improve a person’s physical function and quality of life.

Here are some of the specific benefits of aquatic therapy in rehabilitation:

• Reduces pain and inflammation: The buoyancy of water helps to reduce the weight that the body bears on its joints, which can relieve pain and inflammation.
• Improves range of motion: The water’s resistance can help to improve the range of motion of joints that have been injured or restricted.
• Increases strength and endurance: The water’s resistance can help to build strength and endurance in the muscles.
• Improves balance and coordination: The water’s buoyancy and resistance can help to improve balance and coordination.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: The water’s warm temperature and relaxing environment can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improves mood: The physical activity and social interaction that can occur during aquatic therapy can help to improve mood.

Aquatic therapy is a safe and effective form of rehabilitation for people with a variety of conditions. It can be used to improve range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also help to reduce pain, inflammation, stress, and anxiety.

If you are considering aquatic therapy, talk to our rehab specialists,Dr. Nitin Menon, Lead Consultant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai and Dr. Shalu Shubham Keni, In-charge-Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai for aquatic therapy sessions designed exclusively according to your complaints/ medical condition.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.

Advanced robotic rehabilitation devices for the management of neurological diseases and critical illnesses are now available at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. These include:

•  Lokomat robotic gait training device to improve walking ability in individuals with neurological disorders.
•  Erigo robotic mobilization device to maintain upright orientation and joint mobility in persons suffering from critical illness.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.