Occupational Therapy- Aquatic Therapy Deep Water Leg Exercises

Chrissy performing aquatic therapy strengthening and mobility exercises after a low back injury. Performing exercises in the water provides the following benefits vs. land-based exercises.
1. Buoyancy - Provides assistance and support. It decreases gravitational forces placed on weak extremities and musculature. Buoyancy allows a person to move easier with decreased stress on muscles, joints, and bones.

Heated or cool pools are available- depending upon your condition. Cooler pools can be from 83-90 degrees. Cool water helps sooth aching muscles or are great for people with diagnoses that are contraindicated for heat. Heated pool temperatures range from 94-96 degrees. The warm water relaxes muscles and allows for improved joint range of motion.

Hydrostatic Pressure - The water surrounding the body helps circulate blood from the legs to the heart, often reducing any swelling in the ankles and feet. Once swelling is reduced, joint tenderness may decrease and range of motion can increase.

Resistance - Allows for improvement in balance and strength in all muscle directions. On land, resistance is felt in only one direction, which leads to an over development of some muscles and under utilization of others. Resistance also increases sensory awareness.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Aquatic
• Therapy
• Deep
• Water
• Leg
• Exercises
• Miss
• Chrissy
• Andrea
• Occupational
• low
• back
• pain
• chronic
• Call OT