Got Pain? Exercise in Water!

By Donna Stark

Sometimes, your joints can become so stiff and uncomfortable that it is painful to even get up and walk. It can feel next to impossible to get your body moving so, instead, you may choose to take comfort under the blanket on your couch or in your bed. If you are someone who likes to stay active, pain can certainly be your enemy, can't it? But there is hope! And it certainly doesn't involve having a remote control in your hand or pillows propped up behind your back. No, it's time to start moving again and it's time to gain some of your body's function back. So whether you are dealing with knee pain, hip discomfort, or any other health condition that limits your mobility, it's important to know that you can still exercise in ways that won't cause any more discomfort or further damage. The solution you may be looking for isn't difficult to achieve either. In fact, it's probably available in the town you are living in right now!

Aquatic Exercise

Don't let pain put an end to your fitness goals ... do your exercising in water instead! Aquatic exercise is considered to be an excellent way to maintain your fitness level when pain and discomfort are present in your life. Here's why.

• Relieves added stress on joints and muscles
• Improves range of motion, flexibility, and balance
• Increases strength and endurance
• Allows for movement with decreased pain
• Decreases the risk of falling or further injury
• Lessens joint and muscle stiffness
• Increases blood flow to the injured area

Who Can Benefit?

Aquatic exercise has many benefits and can be an important component of everyone's fitness routine, especially those who are suffering from pain and limited mobility. It is very helpful for those with:

• Physical disability
• Back Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Advanced osteoporosis
• Muscle strains or tears
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure

Low-Impact Exercise for High-Impact Results

Aquatic exercises typically start out as a short-term option for many people but usually end up being adopted into their normal fitness routine once they begin to see the benefits. In other words, you don't have to be injured or in pain to reap the benefits that working out in water can provide. Aquatic exercise is ideal for people of all ages, and many find that a mix of water and land exercise is most beneficial with helping them reach their fitness goals.

So whether you are recovering from an injury, are having a harder time keeping up with your fitness level due to age, or just want to experience the added benefits from joining a class, check out your local gyms and health organizations. Many offer daily aquatic programs that are extremely affordable, but more importantly, are a fun way to get more exercise into your life!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Antonio, Tex.