Buffalo Aqua Therapy
At Buffalo Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, we are excited to be able to offer aqua therapy! Aqua therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, refers to using water as therapy in any form. Aqua therapy can be a treatment for chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, or for strength training or injuries for patients who just need a little extra support. Aqua therapy is a great way to help reduce symptoms without medication or other invasive treatments. Water’s unique properties—buoyancy, resistance, and temperature—make it an ideal environment for rehabilitation and wellness exercises.
The Benefits of Water
Why do people choose (or are recommended) aqua therapy? The properties of water help make it an ideal choice for individuals with arthritis, joint pain, or mobility issues. The buoyancy of water helps support the body, which reduces stress on the muscles and joints. Water also has low – impact and resistance, to help strengthen individuals with weakened muscles and mobility issues.
Aqua therapy offers a range of benefits, including:
- Reduce joint pain
- Increase bloodflow
- Relax muscles
- Improve balance and coordination
- Improve circulation and increase heart rate and lung capacity
Candidates of Water Therapy
Aquatherapy at BC + PT is a form of physical activity that takes place in a pool; this allows people to work muscles and raise heart rate without putting stress on the joints. Aqua therapy can be beneficial to many different types of conditions and injuries. If you have experienced pain from arthritis, tendonitis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or have recently been through a surgery from a recent work, sports, or car accident injury, aqua therapy could be just the thing to help you continue your healing journey.
Preparing For Aqua Therapy
If you haven’t been to aqua therapy before, there’s no need to fret! Here are some steps that you can take to help you feel more comfortable. Before your appointment, make sure that you have taken a shower or bath and please don’t apply any perfumes, oils or lotions. Make sure you bring your own towel, swimsuit, and water shoes if needed. It’s also important to bring any necessary medical records, scripts, or notes from your referring provider. Before you actually get into the water, your BC + PT Physical Therapist will discuss your treatment goals, as well as any concerns you may have.
History of Aqua Therapy
Aqua therapy has a rich history dating back thousands of years. From the ancient Greeks, to the modern day, people have always been fascinated with water to ease various conditions and promote healing. Here’s a brief overview of its evolution:
- Ancient Civilizations: The use of water for healing can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were pioneers in using water for its therapeutic benefits. The Egyptians used hot baths and cold compresses for healing, while the Romans developed complex bathhouses and aqueducts for communal bathing and wellness.
- Hydrotherapy in the 18th and 19th Centuries: The concept of hydrotherapy (the use of water for medical treatment) was further developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. In Europe, physicians began to formalize the use of hot and cold water treatments, focusing on their benefits for pain relief, circulation, and muscle relaxation. In Germany, a physician named Sebastian Kneipp pioneered the use of water therapy in the late 1800s, combining water treatments with herbal medicine, exercise, and diet.
- 20th Century: The development of modern aqua therapy began in the early 20th century with the rise of physical rehabilitation and the recognition of water’s unique properties for treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints and muscles, making it an ideal medium for patients recovering from surgery or injury.
- Modern Day: Today, aqua therapy is a widely accepted treatment in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and fitness programs. It is used to treat conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, neurological disorders, and injuries. Modern aquatic therapy centers often feature heated pools, jets, and specialized equipment to assist with rehabilitation exercises.
Aqua therapy has evolved from ancient healing practices to a specialized, scientifically-backed form of rehabilitation that is recognized for its ability to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility in a low-impact environment. If you are interested in aqua therapy, make sure to give us a call!
