Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease involving the joints, especially those bearing weight. It leads to impaired function due to destruction of articular cartilage, and overgrowth of bone with possible spur formation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis with inflammation of the joints, stiffness, swelling, cartilaginous hypertrophy, and pain.
Aquatic physical therapy is an optimal setting for treating these diagnoses, due to the reduction in weight bearing during the exercise. Buoyancy reduces loading across joints affected by pain and allows the performance of functional closed-chain exercises that otherwise may be too difficult on land. Water turbulence can be used as a method of increasing resistance, and percentage of body weight one bears across the lower limbs can be decreased or progressed in proportion to the depth of immersion. The reduction in gravitational pull on all joints including the spine, promotes improved posture and spinal extension. While moving in the water there is a promotion of joint lubrication which decreases joint stiffness and pain. Exercise in an aquatic setting also increases proprioceptive awareness during exercise and functional task motion. Because of the supportive effect of the water, there is an increase in amount of time to recover loss of balance and promote recovery.
Tools used in the aquatic setting include aqua belts, water dumbbells, resistive paddles, and gloves. Depending on the needs of the patient, resistance is used, or buoyancy is added. Speed of activity also plays the role of an aquatic tool. Adding speed to specific motions, adds resistance.
Aquatic physical therapy can also assist in the treatment of other diagnoses. The unique properties of the aquatic environment enhance interventions for patients across the age span with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary diseases, disorders, or conditions.
Patients with rheumatologic problems do have other options in treatment, but bringing aquatic physical therapy to your doctor’s attention may lead to the attainment of otherwise unmet goals. By exercising in the water with a skilled physical therapist, a patient may finally be able to find a pain free form of cardiopulmonary fitness. Many people with RA and OA struggle to find a way to loose weight and improve health that does not flare up their joint pain. By working regularly with a physical therapist, a patient my attain gains in flexibility, strength, fine motor skills, and posture. Other goals may also include improvement in gait parameters, ability to perform ADL’s, and work tolerance.
If you have any questions regarding Aquatic Physical Therapy please contact Joint Ventures Physical Therapy.
