Water therapy exercises for muscles and joints, as well as the back

Water therapy exercises for muscles and joints, as well as the back

Some of the basic techniques for pool therapy exercises are as follows (they can be modified for varying degrees of difficulty):
Knee-to-chest exercise. This movement is performed with one hand on the side of the pool or with back to the wall. Alternating between legs stretches the lower back, as well as the gluteus (buttocks), quadriceps (front thigh) and hamstring (back thigh) muscles.

Leg raise exercise. This movement is performed with one leg outstretched and the supporting leg slightly bent while one hand holds onto the side of the pool. It strengthens and stretches the muscles in the leg, hip and lower back.

Wall-facing leg stretch exercise. In this stretching exercise individuals assume a “Superman” position with hands resting on side of pool and the body and legs outstretched into and supported by water. This extends all regions of and joints in the back as well as stretching shoulder muscles.

Pool walking exercise. Walking both forward and backward in chest-high water works the leg muscles while exerting no impact of the knees or hips, particularly important for people who have arthritis in those joints. The walking exercise can be made more demanding with the addition of hand floats or light weights, so a stroll in the pool becomes an aquatic version of power walking.

Quadruped activity and exercise. This exercise works legs and arms and is performed while floating on one’s back (sometimes achieved with a therapist supporting the trunk or using a flotation jacket). The individual makes paddling motions with his/her arms and legs.

Combined water therapy for back exercise with land-based methods

Water therapy for back exercise can be a short-term exercise option if back pain or a back injury makes land-based exercise too difficult. Or it can be adopted as part of an ongoing exercise program if land-based methods worsen symptoms or if the person prefers water exercises. If their functional status or competitive goals require it, people may transition to exercise in a dry environment once they are successfully performing exercises in water.
Some people may find mixed use of wet and dry exercise therapy environments most beneficial.
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