In some cases, when it comes to rehabilitation, it is best to start moving while immersed. We call it spa therapy…
The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 BC) actually wrote about the healing power of water. He recommended sea water baths to his patients to cure them of muscle pain and arthritis.
Balneotherapy is a set of treatments, treatments and treatments in which baths are used: it can be sea water (thalassotherapy) or fresh water (balneotherapy). The patient immerses himself in hot water and performs a series of exercises, stretching, immersion.
The intensity, length, and placement of the exercises vary according to the patient, his age, his pathology, his pain intensity, as well as the desired effect (weight training, analgesia, mobilization, etc.).
What are the benefits of immersion? ?
Water is a practical and effective way to reduce pressure on broken joints or bones because the body weighs less. It allows you to start working muscles without the influence of gravity and allows for more advanced work on sore joints and/or muscles. Being in the water facilitates movement, affects the joints, and prevents stiffness.
For example, reducing body weight allows a person who has broken their leg to regain weight-bearing and walk more quickly. When you injure your leg or foot, you temporarily lose the ability to walk. Very quickly, your body forgets how to do it. The earlier you engage the gait pattern, the faster you will recover.
Are there contraindications ?
The list of contraindications is not exhaustive and some of the diseases mentioned are relative contraindications. It is essential to seek advice from your doctor before starting:
- open wound
- Skin diseases (eczema)
- Lung disease (bronchitis)
- ENT (angina, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media)
- Cardiovascular diseases (arterial hypertension, history of phlebitis)
- Contagious disease
- Urinary and/or anal incontinence.
In practice, how ?
It is necessary to perform the movements under the supervision of a physiotherapist or his doctor, always under supervision. For example, for knee rehabilitation:
- In the pool: Walking in the water is relaxing and helps to relax and let go.
- You can also lean your back against the edge of the pool and do strokes
- After the strokes, you can make pedaling (pedaling) movements, relaxing at first and then striving to increase your flexion.
Also ideal for restoring good general physical shape: alternating between the front crawl or the breaststroke without legs, with the boy pulled between the knees, is an effective exercise that does not require a lot of time.
