Why Water?
Water offers far greater resistance to motion than air…
This supportive environment boosts user confidence and promotes slower, more deliberate movements, which aids monitoring and analysis. Typically, users of HYDRO PHYSIO aquatic therapy treadmills, exercising waist deep in water, experience around 60% reduction in effective body weight; this can be particularly helpful during rehabilitation and exercise.
Neurological
Stroke patients and people with other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy use aquatic therapy for learning or relearning in a supportive environment. Aquatic therapy promotes an unexplained user feel good factor.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory
Walking in water can improve cardiovascular strength and overall fitness. Increased resistance and pressure are key factors in achieving this. The correct core body temperature is also a contributory factor. Immersion in water can strengthen respiratory musculature and enhance cardiovascular efficiency.
Spinal Injuries
Damage to the lower back is treated in a supportive environment that is resistive and cushioning. Low treadmill speeds allow patients to take their first steps of recovery.
Core Stability / Weight loss
Only aquatic training allows a low impact challenging workout, which promotes better health and fitness.
Hip Replacement
Elderly patients with hip replacements use aquatic therapy to start rehabilitation at the earliest possible stage. Pain management is possible when exercising in warm water.
Knee and Lower Leg Injuries
Knee replacements, ACL reconstruction and lower leg trauma due to injury, are all improved with aquatic treadmill programmes.
Ankle Injuries
Users of HYDRO PHYSIO aquatic treadmills or water walkers typically experience a 60% reduction in effective body weight, this can be particularly helpful for rehabilitation and recovery of ankle injuries.
The Theraputic Properties Of Water:
Hydrostatic Pressure
(Pressure exerted by fluid at equalibrium due to gravity. Hydrostatic Pressure increases in relation to water depth):
- Reduces heart rate and arterial pressure by assisting circulation
- Reduces peripheral oedema
- Increases metabolic rates and calorific burn
- Increases thoracic pressure, which improves cardiovascular conditioning
Temperature
(Affects the users bodily functions and workout experience):
- Relaxes the user
- Relieves pain
- Improves circulation
Buoyancy
(The users relative body mass at a specified water height):
- Reduces load on painful joints and muscles
- Improves flexibility
- Increases core stability
Resistance
(The resistance of water on immersed areas of the body):
- Supports weak muscles and limbs
- Significantly increases workout intensity
Surface Tension
(The area where users break the water surface with their body):
- Targets specific muscle groups
- Assists the balance of unsteady patients or recovering athletes