Understanding the Different Methods of Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is performed in water and uses the physical properties of water to improve fitness and relaxation.
Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, has significantly grown in popularity over the years as a safe and effective alternative to traditional land-based treatments. This form of physical therapy is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels when supervised by professionally trained and certified therapists.
Aquatic therapy is performed in water and uses the physical properties of water to improve fitness and relaxation while treating various medical conditions and postoperative rehabilitation. It is also helpful in improving an individual's overall health and well-being. Rehabilitation centers carefully assess a patient's condition to develop an individualized treatment plan. This article focuses on some standard techniques or methods used in aquatic therapy.
Ai Chi
Ai Chi aquatic therapy was created in the early 90s by John Konno. It relaxes and strengthens the body by combining qigong and Tai chi chuan. Ai Chi includes 20 movements or katas, which a patient performs while standing in shoulder-deep water. It used diaphragmatic breathing and resistance training in water. The patient masters the deep breathing patterns before progressing to slow poses and movements. Ai Chi is less intensive and helps weak or chronically ill individuals to gain strength, improve balance, and reduce fall risks.
Aqua running
One performs aqua running or jogging using a floatation belt for head and upper body support. It gives patients good cardiovascular exercise while avoiding impacts. The patient uses their legs and arms to make a jogging motion in deep water without the feet touching the floor. Special shoes and weights with floatation belts aid in keeping the balance. It is most suitable for injured athletes or people needing a low-impact workout.
Halliwick
Halliwick aquatic therapy method helps develop stability and balance in people with disabilities. This 10-step program includes rotation control, turbulent gliding, simple progression, mental adjustment, and motor control. Hallwick is now used worldwide by therapists to assess the patient's limitations and abilities to develop a program that will maximize the results.
The Bad Ragaz Ring Method
This method was developed by a physiotherapist team in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, to create a water-based exercise model for strength and mobilization. The technique uses a ring-shaped floatation device, which supports clients to allow easy movement across the water's surface. It helps patients with Parkinson's disease, head injuries, spinal injuries, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Aquatic cardiovascular training
The aquatic cardiovascular training method is beneficial in the treatment of varied conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, or issues like spasticity and pain linked to an inactive lifestyle. It helps treat and train patients with limitations on land.
Burdenko
Burdenko is a more rigorous rehabilitation method that benefits those who can withstand strenuous exercise. It integrates land and water exercises to develop balance, speed, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Through underwater exercises and stretching, a patient reduces muscle and joint stress.
Watsu
Watsu is the gentlest of all aquatic therapy methods. A trained therapist guides the client in water to help them relax, enjoy other therapeutic benefits, and treat various neurological and orthopedic issues. The stretches and movements in the water include dance, massage, and joint mobilization.
Besides these, several other techniques also form a part of aquatic therapy. For aquatic treatment, choosing an established rehabilitation center is best to enjoy maximum benefits.
If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.