Most think of swimming as just a way to cool off during Arizona summers, but did you know that swimming might also give you relief from chronic pain, injuries, and other body ailments? Something as simple and fun as swimming can give one chronic pain relief
Swimming is becoming increasingly popular amongst the young and old alike, with classes popping up not just here in the Valley but across the country – and for good reasons. According to the North American Journal of Medical Sciences, swimming or Hydrotherapy has been proven to be beneficial for pain management. The reason: Swimming (and other forms of water exercises) defy gravity, meaning there aren’t any unpleasant and potentially damaging movements to the joints, unlike running or many other forms of aerobic exercise.
Pain is often the result of weak muscles or injury. The water’s buoyancy allows for low-impact activity, relieving stress on joints and helping condition and strengthen muscles. As an added benefit, it’s also a great way to release endorphins, creating a euphoric feeling, reducing pain, improving sleep, and boosting self-esteem–all common complaints of chronic pain sufferers.
So, if you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, spend 5-15 minutes each day trying these water exercises:
Water Aerobics
Not sure what workout is best for you? Many city pools and gyms now offer group water exercise classes for men and women of all ages to try. If you’re a beginner, start with water exercises like yoga or Ai Chi, which will use slow movements to help strengthen muscles, improve balance, and joint flexibility while focusing on relaxation and controlled breathing.
Water Walking
The most simple of the water exercises, water walking, uses resistance to make muscles work harder to move. To ensure you’re receiving the best workout, make sure water is at least waist deep. Then take long strides around the pool. Routinely switch up your walking style (fast then slow) to work different muscles during your water exercise.
Lap Swimming
If you’re more advanced, consider water exercises like the forward or backward stroke. According to Bucknell University, water workouts provide 12 percent more resistance than when you work out on land, providing a better workout for your chest, shoulders and back. If that isn’t enough, similar to yoga, the water exercise also helps relax and elongate the body, resulting in increased flexibility.
As always, before starting any pain treatment, it’s important to speak with a doctor to determine which option is right for you. To learn more about the knee pain treatment options available at Summa Pain Care, call (623)776.8686 today.
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