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The benefits to water-based exercises
For our client Hannah, water therapy with her Care Worker and swim teacher is both enjoyable and beneficial for her wellbeing. The pool provides a welcome break from her wheelchair, allowing her to relax and be supported in the water.
Water-based exercise offers numerous advantages, including muscle repair, mental wellbeing improvement, and social opportunities.
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Here are the key benefits of water therapy:
1. Low-Impact Exercise: Water provides buoyancy, which reduces the impact on joints and muscles, making swimming and water exercises gentle on the body. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or those recovering from injuries.
2. Improved Strength and Endurance: Water resistance challenges muscles in a different way than land-based exercises, helping to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels. This can be especially advantageous for individuals with paralysis or muscle weakness.
3. Increased Range of Motion: The natural resistance of water encourages a wide range of movements, promoting flexibility and joint mobility. Water-based exercises can help individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments maintain or improve their range of motion.
4. Stress Relief and Mental Well-being: Immersion in water has a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Water-based activities can also boost mood, self-esteem, and overall mental well-being.
5. Social Interaction: Swimming pools often provide inclusive environments where individuals with disabilities can participate in activities alongside others. Engaging in water-based exercise can foster social connections, friendships, and a sense of community.
6. Pain Management: The buoyancy and gentle resistance of water can help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or chronic back pain. Swimming and water exercise can provide relief and improve overall comfort levels.
7. Independence and Freedom of Movement: Swimming and water exercise offer individuals with wheelchairs a sense of freedom and independence that may be limited on land. In the water, individuals can experience increased mobility and the ability to move more freely, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and autonomy.
You can find your local SEN and disability friendly swim sessions online or by enquiring about the services at your localĀ leisure centre. If you would like to find out how Abbots Care can support you or your loved one contact us today.