Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation

by Sally Bouorm | December 1, 2011 9:59 am

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By Rob Santos

In the world of increased health awareness and lifestyle enhancements, fitness spas, also known as swim spas, continue to be a popular choice among consumers seeking a hot tub for hydrotherapy, health, physical therapy and rehabilitation purposes. As their popularity increases, manufacturers remain focused on incorporating features into their fitness spas, which address various health issues and provide soothing alternatives to both physical and sleep therapy, in addition to rehabilitation. Today, fitness spas are not only backyard aquatic gyms; they are machines for improving health and overall quality of life.

Alternative to traditional exercise

Studies show frequent exercise offers many health benefits, including an improved cardiovascular system, which reduces the risk of many health problems and increases muscular strength and balance. However, many people find it hard to incorporate the local gym into their busy schedule. With a fitness spa, however, health-conscious consumers have access to a complete aquatic gym in the comfort of their own backyard. The compact design and portability of these spas make them a great alternative for consumers who are thinking about installing an inground pool for health or rehabilitative purposes.

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To assist in exercise, the majority of manufacturers have incorporated attachment points into the fitness spa’s design for water-based exercise equipment. This often includes an adjustable belt feature, with resistance bands for walking, jogging or running in place to allow users of any fitness level to perform a variety of low-impact exercises.

Fitness spas provide an alternative for many people who find traditional methods of exercise (e.g. treadmills or weight lifting) uncomfortable. For example, manufacturers have created underwater versions of the popular treadmill for consumers who enjoy this type of exercise. Underwater treadmills offer a similar exercise experience, with the added benefit of greater resistance, which allows users to burn more calories and build more strength. This type of exercise is also gentler on the body due to the water’s buoyancy, which helps take pressure off joints, muscles and bones.

Further, since fitness spas can conveniently be set to a desired temperature, an underwater treadmill can be used during any season, while also offering a more comfortable workout experience for the user.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

In addition to providing aquatic exercise benefits, fitness spas are also designed to be used as a method of physical therapy or rehabilitation. In fact, fitness spas are gaining popularity among those recovering from injuries or those with physical limitations, as the water’s buoyancy provides a number of options for low-impact therapy routines, which cannot be performed on land.

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For those with injuries, studies have shown low-impact aquatic therapy can lead to a rapid and more permanent recovery. Today, many therapists recommend aquatic therapy for patients with spinal cord injuries, fibromyalgia, cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis. Aquatic therapy has also shown to improve kidney functionality and contribute to reducing stress, blood pressure and risk of physical injury.

Certified personal trainers (CPTs) and rehabilitation centres often use fitness spas to improve the strength and cardiovascular health of patients suffering from joint or bone diseases, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. They provide an effective way for those suffering from arthritis to build strength, increase flexibility, ease tired muscles and relax stiff joints, as the aquatic environment greatly reduces the force of gravity on the body and relieves constant pressure on joints and muscles.

Aquatic exercise has been proven to be more effective than traditional exercise in helping people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation[4], doctors recommend arthritis patients soak in warm water to help relieve pain prior to starting their daily activities. Fitness spas can also temporarily relieve stiffness and joint aches, increasing overall flexibility.

Sleep therapy

Similar to traditional hot tubs, studies have shown fitness spas can help improve the sleep process, since hydrotherapy before bedtime may assist in getting a more restful, full night of sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation[5] recommends soaking in hot water before sleeping due to the associated calming effects. When exiting the spa, the body’s internal thermostat drops and signals the brain that it is time to go to sleep. Both effects result in waking up refreshed without the feeling of grogginess sleep aids can leave behind.

When used regularly, fitness spas can also improve blood circulation, relieve stress and relax the body, which can also lead to improved sleeping patterns.

Aquatic exercise and mental health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[6], aquatic exercise is known to act as a mood booster and improve mental health. Similar to traditional exercise, regular aquatic fitness can reduce stress and improve one’s quality of life, as studies have shown swimming to be a great stimulus to create a more positive mood in both men and women. For those with fibromyalgia, the CDC also states that aquatic exercise can decrease anxiety and, if performed in warm water, depression.

Routine aquatic exercise can also improve the health and mental well-being of pregnant women and their unborn child. It has also been linked to enhancing the bond between families with disabled children, as it provides a way for them to spend time together while improving their health.

Fitness spas and mature adults

Fitness spas are also popular among mature adults looking to improve their overall health and lifestyle. Performing low-impact exercises in a fitness spa is ideal for mature adults who are not able to perform more strenuous exercises on land.

Regular aquatic exercise can also decrease disabilities by improving joint and muscle flexibility, which helps to improve overall mobility and ease of daily activities.

Hydrotherapy benefits

Since ancient times, warm-water therapy has been one of the safest and most effective methods of improving mental and physical health.

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When shopping for a fitness spa, consumers will be pleased to learn that not only do they serve as a complete aquatic gym and rehabilitation centre; many models also offer the same hydrotherapy benefits found in traditional hot tubs. For example, most seats in a fitness spa are ergonomically designed to cradle the body and feature a variety of strategically placed therapy jets to deliver a full-body massage.

Further, if the fitness spa is set at a higher temperature, the soothing hot water will raise the body’s temperature and, as a result, bolster the immune system and trigger endorphins—the body’s natural pain and stress relievers.

Design

Although traditional swimming pool builders and crossover commercial builders are throwing their hats into the ring of swim and fitness installations, these types of projects can be quite costly and, in most cases, are not capable of providing the same comprehensive and practical features of a fitness spa.

Today, the most important goal for fitness spa manufacturers is creating a safe and multi-functional design, which one can use to strengthen their physique and ultimately improve their quality of life. A properly designed fitness spa should include large entryways, steps and handrails, which allows the user to enter/exit the spa safely and comfortably.

For those who may need additional help when entering/exiting the spa, a variety of powerlift devices are available. These convenient lifts can be easily installed onto the side of most fitness spas and, in some cases, simply plugged into a standard power outlet. Other powerlift devices can be more complex and may require professional installation by a licensed contractor and electrician.

Important features for buyers to consider

Although many manufacturers feature similar products, there are important features that buyers should consider before selecting a fitness spa for their home.

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For instance, buyers will want to make sure the model they are considering has a relatively flat surface in the main exercise area or swim zone, not only to provide the user with a sturdy footing to perform exercise routines, but also to provide necessary space for treadmill swimming and water-based exercise equipment.

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Buyers will also want to make sure there are enough exercise fittings located within the spa shell to accommodate multiple pieces of equipment. This will ensure the buyer purchases a fitness spa that will not only provide the best aquatic workout, but also deliver the results they want to achieve.

The most common exercise equipment available for today’s fitness spas includes a variety of resistance bands or bungee cord-style accessories. Resistance-band exercises are widely used among health-and-fitness practitioners for general-strength training, conditioning, rehabilitation or injury prevention. This type of training is also proven to be an ideal method for conditioning cardiovascular systems, as well as strengthening specific muscle groups.

The bands are compact, lightweight and water resistant, making them a natural fit for fitness spa exercises. They are designed to be attached, using available clips, to the exercise fittings located inside the spa shell. Aquatic exercise equipment is not always a standard feature in fitness spas, so it is important consumers understand what features and equipment is standard versus optional before selecting a model to purchase.

Alternative for health-conscious consumers

Fitness spas continue to be a smart alternative for consumers seeking the health benefits and lifestyle improvements associated with aquatic exercise without the installation or maintenance of an inground pool. When used to their full advantage, fitness spas can be beneficial to those with physical injuries or limitations, as well as for those seeking an alternative to traditional dry-land exercise.

 

 

Rob Santos is the product development manager for Cal Spas in Pomona, Calif. In his 19 years with the company he has experience in product development, retail showroom, customer service and warranties. He can be reached via e-mail at rsantos@calspas.com[10].

 

 

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/aquatic-therapy-and-rehabilitation/

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