Arthritis: How Aquatic Therapy Relieves Pain [Infographic]

Arthritis is a chronic pain condition that involves swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. It is the leading cause of disability for Americans (age 15 and older), affecting fifty-four million adults each year. Over 27 million people in the United States suffer from osteoarthritis and 1.3 million have rheumatoid arthritis. Nearly 60% of adults with arthritis are women.

Symptoms of arthritis include the following in the affected joint(s):

•       Pain

•       Stiffness

•       Swelling

•       Tenderness

•       Redness

•       Warmth

How can physical therapy relieve arthritic pain? 

Physical therapy helps a patient with arthritis improve their mobility, restore use of arthritic joints, and increase strength to support joints.

 The physical therapist will teach the patient:

•       correct posture to relieve pain and protect the integrity of the joints

• proper body mechanics to move from one position to another

• how to maintain the ability to perform daily activities

•       exercises to preserve mobility, strength, and use of joints as well as maintain fitness

•       how to use walking aids or braces to support joints 

How does aquatic therapy help arthritic pain?

Aquatic therapy is a safe, low-impact physical therapy option that allows a patient to exercise and build aerobic capacity with reduced pain. Aquatic therapy involves specific exercises performed in heated water, such as stretching, strengthening using foam barbells, and aerobics, e.g. walking or slow jogging in water. A 2017 study showed that aquatic exercise is particularly beneficial for women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, improving pain and functional capacity.

At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, aquatic therapy takes place in the heated pool facility. The pool temperature is set between 90 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat of the pool contributes to temporary pain relief. The natural buoyancy of water reduces pressure on a patient’s joints and diminishes weight-bearing stress. When an individual is immersed at waist level, water supports 50% of the body’s weight, allowing patients to improve their tolerance for exercise with less pain.

Water exerts hydrostatic pressure on the body, producing a gentle compressive force that reduces swelling and joint inflammation and allows a patient to improve mobility and balance with decreased pain. Water also offers greater resistance than does air to build the patient’s strength without the added pressure placed on joints when lifting weights on land. Patients use foam barbells in the water, pushing the barbells into the water or dragging them through the water to create resistance.

Are you suffering from arthritic pain and want relief? Call Mangiarelli Rehabilitation today to learn more about our aquatic therapy program. We will help you manage and reduce your pain and improve your ability to move and engage in daily activities!