Water-based therapy for
exercise
The techniques used in water therapy exercise for
back pain include spa therapy, standing or floating
pool exercises, swimming, and conditioning using specialized
equipment, such as surgical tubing, flotation devices
and resistive devices for the hands or feet. Spa treatments
complementing water therapy back exercise typically
involve relaxing in warm, agitated water.
Active techniques for water therapy back exercise
are diverse and should be tailored to the individual
patient. Exercises range from simple routines performed
in a shallow pool to conditioning using underwater
treadmills and other high-tech equipment.
Some of the basic techniques for pool therapy exercises
are as follows (they can be modified for varying degrees
of difficulty):
-
Knee-to-chest exercise—performed with one
hand on the side of the pool or with back to the
wall
-
Leg raise exercise—performed with one leg
outstretched and the supporting leg slightly bent
while one hand holds on to the side of the pool
-
Wall-facing leg stretch exercise—stretching
exercise in “Superman” position with
hands resting on side of pool
-
Pool walking exercise—forward or backward
walking therapy
-
Quadruped activity and exercise—performed
in prone position with legs and arms making paddling
motions, with trunk supported by therapist or flotation
jacket
Combined water therapy for back exercise with land-based
methods
Continued water therapy for back exercise is appropriate
if land-based methods worsen symptoms or if the patient
prefers water exercises. If their functional status
or competitive goals require it, patients may transition
to exercise in a dry environment once they are successfully
performing exercises in water.
Some patients may benefit from mixed use of wet and
dry exercise therapy environments.
Conclusion to water therapy for back exercise
Although formal scientific evidence for the specific
benefits of water therapy exercise in treating back
pain is sparse, the value of appropriate exercise programs
is well established. The aquatic medium is ideal for
patients for whom land-based options for back exercise
are limited.
By: Andrew
J. Cole, MD
May 1, 2001
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