Underwater group therapy - (08)

Underwater group therapy - (08)

Mechanism of Action:

Underwater exercise refers to movement in water. It is very popular and an extremely effective treatment method.

The advantage of water as a medium is that it allows free movement in all directions. No swimming skills are required. However, ensuring proper safety is important. Since every exercise and movement element takes place in water, the physical effects that either ease (due to buoyancy) or increase difficulty (due to water resistance) can be utilized in this medium.

The specific mechanism of action of water is as follows:

  • The temperature of the water (34+/- 2 degrees) has a muscle-relaxing effect.
  • Thanks to buoyancy, when submerged in water, the muscles are relieved of their supportive function, leading to relaxation. This may facilitate the execution of movements or positions that are not possible on dry land. During exercise, buoyancy reduces the weight of the body in water, thus minimizing joint strain.
  • Hydrostatic pressure influences metabolic processes, enhancing venous circulation and excretory functions.
  • Water, as a medium, provides resistance, making it suitable for muscle strengthening. The resistance encountered during underwater movement improves overall fitness and load tolerance.

Water surrounds the submerged body from all directions, providing adequate support and a safe environment for patients with limited mobility.

Exercising in water affects various parts of the musculoskeletal system, as well as the circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.

Its application and the types of exercises are highly diverse. It is used to increase range of motion, strengthen muscles, improve strength, endurance, coordination, enhance circulation, and improve overall fitness. It can be a useful complement to dry-land exercises.

Treatment Process:

Underwater exercise sessions are conducted in pleasantly warm water under the guidance of highly qualified physiotherapists.

Duration:

25 minutes.

Indications:

  • Upper limb exercises: for increasing the range of motion in cases of accidents, fractures, surgeries, or acute/chronic degenerative conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, or wrist.
  • Spinal and lower limb exercises: for degenerative conditions affecting the spine and/or lower limb joints (hip, knee, ankle), or as part of rehabilitation following orthopedic, neurosurgical, or accident-related surgeries in these regions.

Contraindications:

  • Cardiovascular diseases: Within 6 months after a heart attack, heart failure, or high blood pressure unresponsive to medication.
  • Phlebitis,
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Epilepsy, Multiple sclerosis
  • Inflammatory phase of musculoskeletal diseases
  • Incontinence (partial or complete loss of bowel or bladder control)
  • Bleeding disorders, use of blood thinners, menstruation
  • For 5 years after cancer treatment, and thereafter based on individual assessment
  • Infectious diseases
  • Open wounds, injuries, infectious skin diseases
  • Fever
  • Pregnancy