With support from medical professionals and physiotherapists, patients with spinal cord injuries can receive the best support that suits their needs and condition – one consideration being aquatic therapy.
What is aquatic therapy?
Aquatic therapy utilises the supporting element of water to perform simple and gentle exercises to help increase mobility, muscle strength as well as coordination. This type of therapy always takes place under the supervision of a specialist in a rehabilitation centre or shallow swimming pool.
Exercising in water can also help individuals with spinal cord injuries improve their flexibility and balance, and numerous techniques are explored depending on patient capabilities. Aquatic therapy is highly recommended due to the less invasive, less stressful experience on the joints, making it easier to move the muscles which can be extremely rewarding for those with an SCI.
Aquatic therapy spinal cord injury
Depending on the person, spinal cord injury can be a different experience for everyone. However, most will experience secondary effects such as changes in or loss of spasticity, and motor and sensory functions.
Aquatic therapy can support many areas of spinal cord injury, and below are just a few of the benefits to consider:
Strengthen muscle movement
Drag force and viscosity can support elements of spinal cord injury recovery, drag force being the resistance of water against an object in motion and viscosity referring to the resistance of water at a given rate.
A pool of water adds resistance, making it more laborious for quicker movements. For someone with spinal cord injury, this is advantageous as it helps to strengthen the muscles as well as reduce any stiffness in the joints.
Initial diagnosis leaves many people with spinal cord injury with minimal daily movement. A lack of exercise can lead to muscle atrophy, so incorporating aquatic therapy into a weekly regime will build endurance and increase regular body movement.
Reduce joint pressure
Muscle atrophy causes the shrinking of muscles, which usually occurs due to a lack of mobility. Techniques such as buoyancy can help people with spinal cord injuries concentrate on balance and movement. Buoyancy is when a body floats in water, keeping the body afloat and relieving any stress or pressure from the joints.
Therapy will often move to more shallow water and bear more weight over time to increase the difficulty level and challenge for those nearer the end of their recovery process. Consistency and regular practice can ease the joints massively as time passes.
Alleviate pain
Lack of mobility can cause pain and swelling as well as muscle atrophy. Hydrostatic pressure can help to alleviate some, if not most of the pain due to its brilliant supporting properties. Continuous compression in a warm swimming pool can energise nerve endings and prevent pain from growing by increasing blood circulation and relaxing tense muscles or joints.
Considerations for spinal cord injury and aquatic therapy
As mentioned previously, options for rehabilitation depend on the level of injury, and there are many considerations before deciding on aquatic therapy. Those with an injury level of T6 and above will have a higher risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia, and those experiencing pressure sores may want to avoid engaging in pool exercises due to the risk of infection. Working with a specialist physical therapist is crucial to ensure safety and well-being.
Rehabilitation for people with Spinal Cord Injury
At Aspire Law, we believe every person with a spinal cord injury should have access to the best rehabilitation and therapy resources possible. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve to fund your rehabilitation and live more independently.
