Aquatic Therapy is a movement-based therapy that takes place in a pool or other aquatic environment. It’s a great form of rehabilitation, exercise, and mobility as the physical properties of water assist in healing and exercise performance. Those engaging in aquatic therapy will experience less pain, therefore, promoting earlier recovery as it decreases the effects of gravity on muscles and joints.
Aquatic therapy is used to treat injuries, chronic pain, and other disabilities, and oftentimes can begin before land-based rehabilitation. In addition to its therapeutic benefits, aquatic therapy is also a great form of exercise for seniors. The water is usually kept at around 29 degrees Celsius providing a relaxing and soothing environment for aching joints and muscles as well as stimulating overall relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Some other health benefits of aquatic therapy are increased circulation, improved range of motion, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and mobility through the use of various muscle conditioning, flexibility, and strength-building exercises. The turbulence and wave propagation let the kinesiologist gently manipulate you through desired exercises without fear of falling in turn decreasing the perception of pain and stimulating relaxation.
There are three places in Barrie that offer aquatic therapy:
– The BDAR Team