Osteoarthritis Pain Mitigated with Aquatic Therapy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of just six years ago, 27 million adults suffered from osteoarthritis. As Baby Boomers age, that number is likely to increase, meaning more men and women will experience osteoarthritis symptoms including:
- Back pain (but not necessarily during the early stages)
- Loss of height (again, not at first)
- Stooped posture
- Vertebrae, wrist, hip or other bone fractures
(SOURCE: MayoClinic.com)
Prevention of osteoarthritis is possible in some cases, but for many, intervention after diagnosis is the course of action they must take.
For numerous patients with osteoarthritis, working out in a therapy pool with an underwater treadmill has a positive effect in combatting the pain, stiffness and general discomfort associated with the condition. In fact, a recent study from the Utah State University Health, PE and Recreation Department concluded that:
Patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis may receive the same aerobic conditioning with less joint pain and greater improvements in mobility by utilizing underwater treadmills as opposed to land treadmills.
Of course, sometimes surgery is unavoidable. In that case, patients may still find that a buoyant, warm water environment is helpful for pre- and post-operative physical therapy.
Want a great example? Check out this video from Every Woman PT and HydroWorx:
Interested in finding out what a HydroWorx therapy pool can do for you? Contact us today!