Millions of people struggle with chronic pain or fatigue. If you're one of them, aquatic exercise might be a game-changer. It can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Join us as we uncover the many ways that swimming and water can break the pain cycle and why a swim spa might be your secret weapon to in the fight against chronic pain or other conditions.
Living with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, CMP/MPS, arthritis, or chronic fatigue can be incredibly challenging. Inactivity as a result of challenges often leads to a vicious cycle: pain causes stiffness, weakness, and more fatigue. Poor posture and limited movement can exacerbate the problem, creating a "pain cycle."
Breaking this cycle is possible. Aquatic exercise and swimming are gentle yet effective ways to start. Swimming has been shown to release endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. Plus, it's a great way to increase fitness levels. Swimming works your entire body and although swimming at slower speeds may not seem effective, it burns more calories in 20 minutes than running or biking, while remaining low-impact.
Beyond its physical benefits, swimming can be a powerful tool for managing stress, a common secondary effect of chronic conditions. Some people believe swimming is moving meditation. The rhythmic nature of swimming and the soothing sensation of water can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. The buoyancy of water provides a sense of weightlessness, allowing for a more relaxed state. Additionally, the focus required to maintain proper form can serve as a form of mindfulness, diverting attention from worries and stressors. By incorporating swimming into a wellness routine, individuals with chronic conditions can experience a reduction in stress levels, leading to improved overall well-being.
Why Water is a Great Choice for Pain Management and Relief
Exercising in water can actually reduce pain and injury. Water exercises and swimming are important aids to relieve chronic pain for numerous reasons. Don’t worry, we wouldn’t say things without explaining exactly why, read on to discover why water is one of the best pain management methods.
Uncover the Healing Properties of Water, the Natural Pain Reliever
Buoyancy
Buoyancy counters the effects of gravity, reducing the weight placed on joints and the spine. When immersed up to the neck, the water supports approximately 90% of the body's weight. In waist-depth water, the support is around 50%.
Reducing weight-bearing stress can help strengthen weak muscles without causing pain. It can also improve balance and confidence for those with mobility concerns. Swimming can help increase coordination skills, as you focus on multiple basic movements at once to propel yourself forward.
Resistance
Water offers up to 15 times more resistance than air. This gentle yet effective resistance increases with your effort, making it ideal for building muscle strength and endurance throughout your body. In a swim spa, increasing speed of the swim jets will increase this resistance, which can lead to setting further goals for increasing endurance and muscle strength.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure, the increased pressure of water as you go deeper, is another key benefit of aquatic therapy. This pressure helps reduce swelling, improve body awareness, and promote proper posture. It also lowers heart rate and increases lung capacity, improving cardiovascular health. Additionally, the sensory stimulation provided by hydrostatic pressure can help reduce stress and pain.
Temperature
In a swim spa, you can set the temperature to be whatever you want, from as low as 25°C to a high of 40°C. In hydrotherapy, different temperatures offer different benefits.
Warm water: Often used for relaxation and muscle tension relief. The warmth can help increase blood flow to the area, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Hot water: Can be effective for relieving muscle pain and stiffness. The heat can penetrate deep into the tissues, relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation.
Cold water: Can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and numbing pain. It can also help reduce muscle spasms. Cold water therapy is commonly used for post-injury recovery.
Is a Swim Spa Your Pain Relief Solution?
Whether you are an individual seeking pain relief, a family looking to support a loved one struggling with a chronic condition, or a professional in need of a therapeutic aquatic environment for your business, Hydropool self-cleaning swim spas offer a comprehensive solution. With adjustable water temperatures, you can customise your workouts for optimal pain relief or fitness. The built-in therapy seats provide soothing massages for the upper body, lumbar area, and lower body.
The spacious tank design allows for easy movement, including walking and other functional exercises. The optimal depth of the water helps reduce joint compression, but still allows for aquatic aerobic type exercising. Our optional additional railings support stationary exercises or balance and coordination practice.
We have worked across the spectrum of clients mentioned above, and we would love to answer any questions you have about our swim spas. If you or a loved one would like to test a swim spa, we have a dedicated test centre with three warm and ready constant current swim spas, ready to swim in! Just give us a call and we will answer any questions or schedule your appointment for a complimentary swim spa test.
Swimming in a Swim Spa for Chronic Pain Relief
For individuals with chronic pain or conditions, access to a public pool for therapeutic swimming can be limited due to factors such as location, cost, or accessibility challenges.
A swim spa offers a convenient and accessible alternative to a pricey gym or crowded public pool. To enjoy the benefits of water together, a swim spa can be a family-friendly addition to the garden. Forget time schedules, transportation, and worries about exposure to other people’s germs. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having your own private pool. You can control the water temperature and cleanliness, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. For individuals with compromised health, a home swim spa offers the added benefit of privacy with complete control over hygiene standards. You can also exercise year round, as a Hydropool Swim Spa is energy efficient and can be heated to hot tub temperatures.
Remember These Tips When Swimming for Pain Relief
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before starting any new exercise program, it's important to consult with your doctor or a physical therapist to ensure it's safe for you.
- Start Slowly: Begin with short, gentle swimming sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable.
- Try Different Strokes: Experiment with different swimming strokes to find the ones that feel best for your body and help alleviate pain.
- Consider a Warmer Water: Swimming in warm water can provide additional relaxation and pain relief, but be careful not to exert yourself too much in hot water. High exertion in temperatures higher than 28°C can be risky.
Swimming for pain relief can be a fantastic way to improve your quality of life and manage chronic pain. If you're looking for a low-impact, enjoyable exercise option, give swimming in a swim spa a try!
