You may have heard the term ‘rheumatoid arthritis’ many times but your perception regarding this condition can actually be misleading especially that it can be confused with osteoarthritis. The main difference between these two is the fact that rheumatoid arthritis can actually affect any person at any age. It is not a result of a joint’s deterioration but is actually an outcome of an autoimmune disorder.
The sad thing about rheumatoid arthritis is that it can make changes to your life in an instant. In fact, your mobility can change overnight when you have this disorder. With these changes, a patient will definitely have a difficult time making adjustments and ordinary physical therapy will not be enough. A different approach you can take is aquatic therapy. So, how can this type of therapy help with the condition?
The therapy allows you to take things one pace at a time
Getting into aquatic therapy to avoid the drastic effects of rheumatoid arthritis will involve phases depending on your physical activities in the past. Your body has to make adjustments as mentioned and in order to cope with these changes, you cannot just get yourself involved in extreme water activities at the moment. If you want to get the most out of aquatic therapy, it is advised that you start very slow.
Aquatic therapy allows you to carry lesser weight
Unlike other forms of physical therapies where you have to carry weight physically, aquatic therapy offers you a different treatment modality that allows you to carry a weight lesser than usual. In fact, your body’s weight will only be about 10% to 15% of the usual. With this, you feel lesser pressure coming from your joints thus allowing you to take paces slowly but surely. You will surely be surprised to find out that in the course of the therapy, you will be able to swim longer at a faster speed in no time.
It can help you get into shape
The goal of aquatic therapy is not just limited to making sure you overcome the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. It also involves your overall health and wellbeing. As proof to that, regular sessions for this treatment modality will put your body into better shape by helping you lose weight. Add to that, water therapy can help with some of your bodily ailments.
You can also combine it with other types of therapy
The good thing about aquatic therapy is it does not limit your activities with swimming your way around the pool. In addition, you can even jog your way from one part of the pool to the other. It can also be combined with other activities like walking at an increased speed. There are also special ‘gadgets’ that will help during the course of the therapy. Underwater treadmills may also be made available for your sessions to help improve your balance and grip.
For more about using aquatic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and all other conditions, do feel free to talk to our specialists. We are more than happy to help you learn about how our expertise can help improve your lives for the better.
