Physical rehabilitation in swimming pool. Taking advantage of the benefits of hydrotherapy

Physical rehabilitation in swimming pool

The pool is not only a place to swim and enjoy the sun in the summer, it can also be an excellent place for physical rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy, is a form of rehabilitation that uses the therapeutic effects of water to improve health and physical recovery. In this article, we will explore the benefits of hydrotherapy and the different exercises that can be performed in the pool for physical rehabilitation.

Low impact exercises in water

Hydrotherapy is a low-impact form of exercise that can be beneficial for those seeking physical rehabilitation. Water exercises are gentle on joints and muscles, which reduces pain and the risk of injury. In addition, the resistance of the water provides a safe training environment for muscles and improves stability.

Four good examples of low-impact exercise in water are:

• Water walking: Consists of walking in water, imitating the movements of land walking. This exercise is an excellent way to improve cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength in the legs, without putting pressure on the joints.
• Water Bike Kicks: This exercise simulates the pedaling motion of a bicycle, but in the water. It is an effective way to improve muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance, as it engages the muscles of the legs, buttocks and abdominals.
• Knee Lift: Consists of raising the knees to the chest while standing in the water. This exercise is excellent for working strength and muscular endurance in the legs, while reducing pressure on the joints.
• Hip extensions: This exercise is performed in a standing position, with hands resting on the pool wall for balance. It involves extending the leg backwards, keeping the knee straight. This movement helps strengthen the gluteal and leg muscles, and can improve stability and balance.

Aquagym and aquatic cycling

Aquafitness and water cycling are two popular forms of water exercise. AquaFitness combines traditional fitness exercises with the hydrodynamic effect of water. The movements are gentle and can be performed at different depths, allowing for a tailor-made workout for each individual. On the other hand, the aquatic cycling is a form of cardiovascular training that uses a stationary bike in the pool. Water cycling is a low-impact exercise that can be beneficial for those with leg injuries, as well as for people with arthritis or joint pain, or for those who want to train physically in a low-impact joint environment.

Aquapilates

Aquapilates combines the principles of Pilates with the therapeutic effect of water. The exercises are gentle and focus on core strength and stability. Some of the most common would be:

• The swan position: This exercise is performed in a standing position, with hands resting on the edge of the pool. It involves stretching the body forward and backward, keeping the arms extended and the shoulders relaxed.
• Starfish: This exercise is performed in a floating position on the Opening, with arms and legs extended. It involves performing a series of movements with the arms and legs, keeping the body in a horizontal position.
• The bridge position: This exercise is performed in a standing position, with hands resting on the pool wall. It involves raising the legs and hips upward, keeping the arms extended and shoulders relaxed.
• Lotus position: This exercise is performed in a floating position face down, with legs extended and arms outstretched to the sides. It involves performing a series of movements with the legs and arms, keeping the body in a horizontal position.

Active relaxation ai-chi

On the other hand, ai-chi active relaxation is a gentle, relaxing exercise that focuses on breathing and meditation. The combination of gentle exercise and the tranquility of water can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some of the exercises we recommend are:

• Deep breathing: This exercise is performed in a floating position on your back. It involves breathing in deeply through the nose, filling the lungs with air, and then exhaling slowly through the mouth, relaxing the whole body.
• The circle of life: This exercise is performed in a standing position in the water, with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. It involves making circular movements with the arms, while inhaling and exhaling deeply.
• The Floating Cloud: This exercise is performed in a floating position face down. It is to imagine that you are floating on a cloud, while breathing in and out deeply, relaxing the whole body.
• The wave dance: This exercise is performed in a standing position in the water, with feet together and knees slightly bent. It involves moving the body to the rhythm of the waves, while inhaling and exhaling deeply.

Hydrodynamic effects and hydrostatic exercises

Water resistance (hydrostatic exercises) can be used to improve muscular strength and endurance. Hydrodynamic exercises and hydrostatic exercises are two forms of water exercises that can be beneficial for those seeking physical rehabilitation. Hydrodynamic exercises are those that involve performing specific movements in the water, while hydrostatic exercises are performed in the same position for a period of time. Both types of exercises can be beneficial for improving muscle strength and endurance, especially in people who have been inactive for a period of time due to injury or illness.

In addition, hydrotherapy and aquatic exercises can also be helpful in rehabilitation after surgery, such as hip or knee arthroplasty. The resistance of the water provides a low-impact environment and helps reduce pain and swelling after surgery.

On the other hand, hydrotherapy and aquatic exercises can also be beneficial for seniors and those with mobility issues. Low-impact water exercises can help improve flexibility, strength and balance, which in turn reduces the risk of falls and injuries.

Conclusion

In summaryIn summary, pool physical rehabilitation can be an effective option for those looking for a way to recover from injury or illness, improve strength and flexibility, or simply enjoy the benefits of the water in a safe and controlled environment.

Hydrotherapy, aquatic exercises and relaxation techniques are an excellent option for physical rehabilitation in swimming pools. However, it is essential to have the guidance and supervision of specialized personnel to maximize their effectiveness and safety, such as the professional team at FisioCITwhich has been working for decades with professional and amateur athletes to improve and recover physical fitness.

In this other article we show you the 10 health benefits of swimming and how to swim at home. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact uswe will be happy to help you.