Swimming rehabilitation is the ideal workout for those who have joint issues or are elderly. Water rehab is low impact and there is a very small risk of injury. Swimming can strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and improve your cardiovascular health.
Why Use Swimming Rehabilitation?
There are many reasons why swimming rehabilitation is used. Water helps support weight, which puts less stress on the spine and joints. It is the only type of rehabilitation that is completely non-weight-bearing. This makes it harder for an individual to injure themselves.
How Does Swimming Help with Rehabilitation?
The buoyancy of the water helps support weight, making it easier for people to stand. It also reduces the amount of stress put on joints. The water provides resistance, so patients can improve muscle strength without the use of weights.
Swimming rehabilitation, aqua aerobics and other water-based exercises are excellent for treating a lot of injuries and physical conditions. Working out in the water will help make you stronger and improve your physical well-being.
Benefits of Swimming for Seniors
Swimming is a great workout for seniors. It does not always entail swimming laps. There are other swimming exercises you can do. Swimming is low-impact and there is less of a chance of suffering an injury. Every muscle group in the body can be worked out.
Below are a few of the benefits of swimming rehabilitation:
Low-impact
Swimming rehabilitation is a low-impact workout that is gentle on the joints. It is great for those who suffer from joint discomfort and pain. Swimming is a full-body workout that does not put pressure on the spine or joints.
Improves Flexibility
While swimming, you are stretching your muscles and making your joints more flexible. This can help relieve back pain and improve posture. It is also used as an exercise for arthritis in the knee. It will help reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Increases Muscle Strength
Swimming can improve muscle strength and tone muscles without the use of weights. The resistance of the water helps work out every muscle.
Increases Cardiovascular Fitness
You can improve your heart health by swimming. Swimming helps improve circulation and makes your heart stronger. It is also a great way to lower blood pressure.
Aids in Weight Loss
For people that are overweight or have aching joints, swimming is a tool that can be used to aid in weight loss. It is not as intense as other types of workouts, but it is easier on the joints.
Decreases the Risk of Osteoporosis
Swimming can improve the density of the bones, which will decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Enhances Relaxation and Mental Health
Swimming is a relaxing workout that can help reduce stress and boost your attitude. Since most seniors experience depression due to loneliness, swimming with a group of people can be a fun social activity.
Types of Swimming Exercises
There are different water exercises. Our physiologists will build you a customised program that will improve your strength and mobility.
Basic Swimming
People of all ages can benefit physically and mentally from swimming.
Water Aerobics
Aqua aerobics can be performed one on one or in a class-type setting.
Water Resistance
Water has a natural resistance, so weights are not needed. Exercises can include calf raises, arm curls, and leg swings.
Relaxation Exercises
These types of exercises are used to lower stress, blood pressure and heart rate. An example of relaxation exercise is aqua yoga.
Trust SSEP with Your Swimming Rehabilitation
Before adding swimming to your rehabilitation, seek professional guidance. There are some physical conditions that can limit your ability to take part. At SSEP, our physiologists have been trained in hydrotherapy.
They will teach you the best swimming exercises to treat your condition. To learn more about swimming rehabilitation, give your local SSEP office a call today.