When people think of water, they often think of swimming and water-based sports. However, water can also be a form of therapy. Although there are around 200,000 physical therapists employed in the United States, according to Performance Health, with an additional 15,600 more expected to emerge in the coming years, aquatic therapists are also a worthwhile option to consider. Here are four ways aquatic therapy may benefit you.

1. Improved Muscle Strength

Are your muscles weakened by age, illness, or injury, resulting in a need to strengthen them? Doing therapy in the water is a great way to strengthen your muscles without lifting heavy weights in the gym. Water has buoyancy and viscosity, which provide resistance against your muscles as you move around.

2. Less Pain

Some workouts can be painful. Luckily, aquatic therapy isn't one of them. This type of therapy is a low-impact exercise that allows you to stretch your muscles without applying joint pressure. If you're dealing with issues like arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, then water therapy may be good for you. Over time, you'll be able to reduce stiffness and gain flexibility due to the water's buoyancy, which can also help reduce pain.

3. Relaxation

It's no secret how calming water can be. Whether sitting by the ocean or going for a long swim, people often use water to relax. You can say the same for aquatic therapy. As you conduct therapeutic stretches and movements in the water, you're actively increasing your blood flow. As blood flows, it automatically relaxes your blood vessels and muscles. The water tends to be very warm and soothing as well. Needless to say, when you complete your therapy session, it'll be easier for you to sleep since your body will be fully relaxed.

4. Injury Recovery

If you recently suffered an injury, then water is a great resource for recovery. As mentioned, it helps to increase your blood flow, which results in less swelling in your joints and muscles. As a result, you can have faster healing after major surgery and injuries. If you keep up your aquatic therapeutic routine, you may be able to get back to your normal schedule sooner than you thought.

Water is one of the most powerful elements on the planet. We use it to hydrate, wash our bodies, and now for therapy. If you want low-impact but useful therapy to help you gain your strength back, consider aquatic therapy today. Visit Roberts Physical Therapy at our local facility for assistance.