Water Play for Better Health
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | February 10, 2023 | Read Time: 4 minutes
“You’re only one swim away from a good mood.” (Unknown)
It doesn’t matter if you can swim or not, whole body immersion in water has many benefits. Being in the water is a natural state for all of us. When we were children, bath time was playtime. Mom will fill up the tub with warm water, put in your toys, and maybe add bubbles for special effects, creating a positive relationship between water and fun. There are many benefits to swimming and water aerobics. Water exercise takes the pressure off the weight-bearing joints, allowing you to move easily and freely with little resistance. Water activities are a great way to manage musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, hip pain, and knee pain.
In clinical practice, when a patient experience difficulty performing land exercises, I recommend water therapy or water aerobics for the reasons mentioned above. The idea is to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension and promote overall relaxation. Once the patient has participated in water therapy and/or water aerobics for a period of time, they are then transitioned into performing land exercises.
Should the water be warm or cold? Well… it depends on the effect you are looking for.
Cold water immersion, usually is done after a sporting activity or an intense exercise/workout session. The goal is to reduce inflammation and swelling; delay muscle soreness; and alleviate pain; and is thought to reduce recovery time after an intensified physical performance. Cold water immersion should only be performed for a very short duration and is based on the individual’s tolerance to reduce any adverse reactions.
On the other hand, warm water immersion is like being in a bathtub. The water temperature should be comfortable and tolerable for the individual. The goal is to promote muscle relaxation to allow joint movement with the least resistance. Warm water immersion can be beneficial, especially for people who experience back pain and extremity pain (e.g. shoulder pain, hip pain, and knee pain).
Water activities such as swimming, aerobics, and exercise have many benefits including but not limited to:
- Decrease in pain severity and frequency
- Increased joint flexibility
- Improvement in joint function
- Mood enhancement
- Improve the quality of life
- Improve physical performance
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Improve muscle strength
Bottom Line: Whole-body water immersion, whether it’s cold water or warm water, has many health benefits. So the next time you are near a pool, go for a swim if you don’t know how to swim, go for a “water walk”, your mind and body will thank you later.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler @drtiffanybutler
