Page 42 - Harnett Life Winter 2018

Aquatic Therapy and

Aquatic Exercise: What’s

the Difference?

surgery. The buoyancy also reduces the pressure on the
joints, which can allow someone with weight-bearing
Allison Bedsole, PT, MHA, Rehab/Wellness Man- limitations due to a fracture or surgery to exercise earlier.
ager at Harnett Health, is often asked the question: What’s 5. Warm water – this relaxes aching joints and muscles,
the difference between aquatic therapy and aquatic ex- making it easier to tolerate exercise. The warmth also in-
ercise? Although the terms are similar, they are actually creases circulation which helps remove the toxin, lactic
two distinct programs with different purposes and require- acid, which causes muscle soreness.
ments. Aquatic therapy is therapy that takes place in a pool
and is performed under the direction of a licensed physical Some of the conditions that can benefit from aquatic ther-
therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational thera- apy are:
pist, or occupational therapist assistant. This allows people
who are injured, disabled, or have a limiting medical con- • Arthritis
dition to exercise in an environment that is less stressful to • Balance disorders
their body. On the other hand, aquatic exercise classes are • Chronic pain
generally performed in group settings and are designed for • Joint surgery
general conditioning and maintenance of physical function. • Low back pain
• Osteoporosis
There are many benefits of exercising in the water. The • Parkinson’s disease
physical properties of water actually create a therapeutic
environment that provides numerous benefits from exercis- The goals of aquatic therapy are to improve flexibility,
ing in water. These include: balance and coordination, build muscle strength and en-
durance, increase aerobic capacity, assist with gait and lo-
1. Hydrostatic pressure – since water is denser than air, it comotion, and reduce stress and decrease muscle spasms.
exerts more pressure on the body. This pressure can assist
in reducing swelling and increasing circulation which, in Harnett Health offers aquatic therapy at the Outpatient
turn, helps the healing process. It also assists in stabilizing Rehabilitation Department at Betsy Johnson Hospital.
patients with balance problems by allowing them to exer- Aquatic therapy can be used when it is too early to per-
cise without the risk or fear of falling. form land-based therapy, in conjunction with land-based
2. Consistent pressure/proprioception – the constant pres- therapy, or as an alternative to land-based therapy for pa-
sure from water causes the nervous system to dull its re- tients who have too much pain or loss of function to toler-
sponse to sensory nerves. This reduces muscle pain, which ate traditional therapy.
can be beneficial to those with acute pain from surgery/
injury or chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia Harnett Health also offers multiple aquatic exercise class-
or arthritis. es that are open to the community. Classes are offered
3. Viscosity – the resistance the water provides helps im- throughout the day and early evening. Bobbie Barbour,
prove muscle strength without using weights that can be Vicky Grady, and Danette Spurlock provide classes of
stressful to the joints. varying difficulty and type, including aerobic condition-
4. Buoyancy – since water is buoyant, limbs can float, ing, classes designed for patients with arthritis issues, and
which can assist movement in someone with a stroke or
Page 42 Harnett Life ~ Winter 2018