Use Water Therapy to Manage Osteoarthritis

Being active is an important part of the arthritis treatment plan, as it helps to stabilize the joints preventing any more damage. For patients suffering from osteoarthritis, water therapy is a good option for treating the knees, hips, and spine due to the lower pressure set on the joints. 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that is caused by damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of joints that ease smooth movement. Pool therapy or also known as aqua therapy and hydrotherapy offer an excellent ambiance for patients to exercise due to the buoyant force of the water that contradicts the downward of gravity, reducing the weight in the joints. 

Water Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Patients that have Osteoarthritis are unable to perform daily exercises because of pain created by a force. With the help of the water, patients now can do strengthening and endurance workouts thus resulting in lessening the pain. 

The Types of exercise they can do are as follows: 

• Stretching – Particularly in the lower back, upper, and neck area. 
• Strengthening exercise – Patients can use foam barbels that best work against water resistance.
• Aerobics exercise – Perform water walking, skiing, or jogging to ease the lower back and hips. 
• Ai Chi – A type of Tai Chi that focuses on slow movements, relaxation, and controlled breathing to encourage balance, strength, and flexibility. Talk to Dr. Patel about the holistic approach program. She may recommend yoga and Tai Chi to alleviate symptoms. 

Water therapy also helps with cardiovascular diseases. As a matter of fact, patients show improved heart function and blood circulation to the joints and muscles that help build energy and a faster healing process.

By Chaula Patel, MD

December 29, 2022