The term aqua therapy is used for healing the body by doing activities in a water environment. Generally, aqua therapy is applied in various ways by following several methods and a medium of water. The tranquilizing properties of water conjugation with specific exercises provide an eccentric and functional approach to relieving and enriching overall well-being.
Aqua therapy means the utilization of water-centric exercises and activities to obtain the therapeutics' goals. This therapy insists on buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure of water on the injured part of the body to relieve the pain. Aqua therapy can be done in various aquatic environments according to the availability of place and capability including pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water with the help of a trained therapist.
Aquaponics entails a diversity of techniques and exercises that are implied to take benefit of the unique properties of water, including resistance, buoyancy, and hydrostatic pressure. Following are some common techniques used in aqua therapy:
• Floating and buoyancy exercises.
• Resistance Training.
• Range of motion exercises.
• Gait and walking exercises.
• Balance and coordination exercises.
• Therapeutic massage and stretching.
• Aquatic aerobics.
• Relaxation and breathing exercises.
Minimizes the effect on joints and muscles: Water can produce buoyancy which assists in supporting the body in water and lowers the pain on joints and muscles. When anyone takes aqua therapy for healing joint pain then the buoyant force of water deals with gravity, creating movements effortless and less stressful on the joints portion of the body. This acutherapy mode is proven as an ideal exercise for patients with arthritis, joint pain, and orthopedic surgeries.
Enlarge range of motion and flexibility: Water can produce resistance in all directions which allows for a wide range of motion and flexibility exercises. This specific goal of aqua therapy can be used to treat Fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease.
Strengthen cardiovascular fitness: The resistance power of water helps to supply a natural form of resistance for cardiovascular exercise sessions. Regular aqua therapy can improve cardiovascular fitness efficiently.
Stress trimming and relaxation: The appeasing properties of water can influence the mode of relaxation; and assist in trimming the stress and anxiety. At present time, the management of stress is a subject of concern. The aqua therapy workout can deliver mental and emotional peace on another level.
Pain Management: The hot water treatment was applied from the ancestor’s period for aching muscles and alleviates pain. Sometimes physicians prescribe aqua therapy for healing chronic pain such as lower back pain or muscular injuries.
Aqua therapy is now a trending topic in our sports field. The application of aqua therapy for athletes may be beneficial in multifarious ways, both for revival and performance enhancement. Here are some aqua therapies that can be used for athletes:
• Injury revives
• Cross training.
• Performance enforcement.
• Preventive training.
• Mental well being
• Relieving stress.
Conclusion: Aqua therapy supports the refreshing and effective way of treatment which influences healing and well-being. These specific therapeutic benefits inspire people to dive into it and help to explore the healing power of water.
Dr. Rakhi Das
Dept. of Aquaculture
School of Agriculture (SoAg)
SAGE University, Bhopal
