Research study after research study has proven there are many benefits to be had for MS through the power of exercise. Because we’re highlighting the many benefits that physical therapy and physical exercise has on MS I'm focusing on the benefits of Aquatic therapy.
Aquatic therapy by it’s very nature provides the greatest punch for the time spent doing therapy. They were a multiple factors at work in Aquatic therapy. The first item to discuss is buoyancy. The buoyancy affect reduce the effects of gravity on the body and helps to provide posture support in those with body weaknesses. Water also increases balance of the body naturally in those with balance issues. This naturally helps to make a person exercise with greater ease unless fear of injury due to falling. Water does all this by reducing the effects of gravity on body and supporting the body in a gentle yet resistant way.
The next benefit of aqua therapy is the water’s Viscosity effect upon the body. Viscosity, measures the feeling that when doing aqua therapy the water feels thicker or heavier than doing similar exercises in the air. As your speed and surface area of your movements increase the resistance factor of the water also increases against your body. Viscosity also slow's the bodies movements and provides more opportunities for hiigher level movements and balance work that is often not possible with land exercises.
Another property that aqua therapy has is the hydrostatic pressure property. This is the concept that the fluid exert pressures in all directions. Is very positive influence and greatly increases and provides individuals with increased ability to stand, ambulate, and balance. Aqua therapy is so effective in this area that people are often encourage to use aqua therapy that have severe mobility issues including being wheelchair bound for extended peroids of time. Results when dealing with the severely disabled come slowly but Aqua therapy benefits are indeed many for those that are severely disabled.
One of the last factors to consider when doing Aqua therapy is the temperature of the water. Although research is relatively new in this area with the current research suggests that ideal water temperature for aqua therapy runs between 80 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This provides and unique environment that keeps people with MS exercising in a temperature that is moderate for them. It make sure that the body does not overheat which is a common problem when dealing with temperatures in many areas in the summer months. It allows MS patients to exercise at ideal temperatures and not worry about the body’s response to overheating.
As always we encouraged that you consult with your physician prior to starting any type of exercise program to make sure the program will benefit you instead of causing harm. For individuals with MS, aquatic exercise programs are extremely varied and can benefit all levels of physically disabled that deal with MS. The Aquatic environment offers numerous low-stress exercises that are fun and easy to participate in. The types of water based activities including walking in the water, marching in the water, doing leg lifts, stretching various muscle groups, water aerobics, just to name a few. In the water there are many group based classes where camaraderie becomes an additional support system and helps to increase the level of enjoyment and participation in the activity.
The only real question left to ask is why aren’t YOU participating in aqua therapy! The benefits and fun is undeniable! The time spent in the water will give you the biggest bang for your buck as far as exercise time. Check with your neurologist and any physical therapist that he or she has recommended to you to find out more information on where Aqua therapy is offered in your area. Another great place to check is your local YMCA. Were you find water available you will find exercise classes in it. Then if you can find instructors who are knowledgeable with exercise and how it directly correlates to individuals with MS, you have hit the jackpot! If anyone is currently doing Aqua therapy, I’d love to hear the results you are experiencing from it. And if anyone becomes inspired to start Aqua therapy from this post please let us know how it goes and what benefits you see from it.🏊♀️🏊♂️
Let's get wet, get fitter, and have some fun while we’re doing it!
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