Not just in the United States, but all throughout the world, swimming is one of the most well-liked sports. But why is swimming often a popular choice for physical therapy? Knowing the causes is a pressing concern.
The majority of us are accustomed to swimming, but we may not be as familiar with the term hydrotherapy or what it entails. Hydrotherapy is also referred to as aquatic/aqua, pool, or water therapy. It’s the process that uses water as therapy or in different ways to have a positive impact on the body.
You can do water or aqua therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist for lower-back pain, arthritis, or rehab after a knee or hip replacement. In this post, we will discuss how swimming relatively helps in preventing injury with the reasons for being popular.
Reasons: Why is swimming often a popular choice for physical therapy?
Swimming is a great physical therapy option that many people turn to when they are recovering from an injury. We will go over some of the reasons Why is favored as a therapeutic exercise. It not only helps to speed up recovery from injury, but can also help those who are healthy to do more. There are many different reasons why it’s popular, and here below are more than 5 benefits of swimming why it’s so popular.
- It’s available to all ages and abilities: Swimming and/or hydrotherapy does not require a skilled swimmer to benefit. It’s a good time for people of all ages and abilities to participate. It is a safe exercise for most people due to the low prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries.
- The Confluence of General Physical Fitness/wellness: Swimming is a suitable activity for nearly everyone, regardless of age or ability, whether for leisure, sport, or rehab/recovery. This is in addition to the numerous general health and wellness advantages of water-based physical activity.
- Low-impact environment: Water’s natural, inherent properties provide light resistance and support for the body, as well as a low-impact environment. As a result of this low-impact environment, one can increase their range of motion and strength in a safe and comfortable manner. This explains swimming trivia why is swimming often a popular choice for physical therapy?
- Effects on mental health: Even as swimming has many fitness and rehab benefits, studies have also shown that swimming and hydrotherapy have a significant impact on mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agrees with these findings, stating that swimming benefits include improved mood and reduced anxiety.
- Natural properties of water: The physical benefits of swimming are enhanced by the inherent properties of water (buoyancy, viscosity, hydrostatic pressure, and temperature). As a result, either is an excellent choice for the management of conditions such as arthritis, muscle/nervous system conditions, general fitness, or rehabilitation/recovery post-injury/surgery. But they are also specifically beneficial for soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, and tears.
- Recommended by (ACSM): Swimming (or water walking) is also one of the four preferred rehab exercises for soft tissue injuries (i.e. ligaments, muscles, and/or tendons) according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
- The equipment is portable: A further advantage of swimming that makes it an attractive alternative for physical therapy is that most insurance companies will insure such therapies. And it is relatively easy to start and maintain either activity. Everything you need is a swimsuit, goggles, a swim cap, a towel, and access to water, whether it’s in a pool or in the open.
So, the key advantages of swimming at a glance are:
- Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise.
- Swimming is a low-impact activity.
- Swimming is a full-body workout.
- Swimming is a good cardiovascular workout.
- Swimming is easy on the joints.
- Swimming is an easy way to exercise.
- Swimming helps with flexibility,
- Swimming is a great form of rehabilitation.
- Swimming builds muscle strength.
- Swimming can improve joint mobility.
- Swimming is a great way to relax.
- Swimming is a great way for people of all age ranges to exercise.
- Swimming is often recommended by physical therapists.
How does swimming relatively help in preventing injury?
Swimming is identified as one of the highest-scoring workouts. It has been shown to be a useful inter and recovery workout for sports people. Moreover, it has been shown to be helpful for rehab/recovery post-injury/surgery/illness. It has also been shown to have positive effects on the body and mind in people of all ages.
Swimming as an exercise raises the heart rate (cardio) and builds muscle/muscle endurance. Since it is a low-impact, non-weight-bearing activity, it can benefit heart health, core and relative fitness, and joint health. Furthermore, as previously stated, it is a full-body workout.
Swimming is not only an enjoyable experience with numerous physical and mental health benefits, but it can also aid in the healing (and even prevention) of injuries. Swimming is excellent for both exercise and rehab/recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is the oldest swim stroke?
Answer: The breaststroke is the oldest of all swimming strokes and is used in both lifesaving and recreational swimming. It is also one of the four styles used in competitive swimming. The stroke is especially great for rough water. When large waves come crashing into the shore, many people will turn to apply a stroke.
Q: Is swimming a good form of physical therapy?
Answer: Swimming is an excellent form of physical therapy. The water provides buoyancy that reduces the weight on your joints, which can make swimming easier on your body. In addition, it can also reduce pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
In fact, there are many benefits to using swimming as a form of physical therapy. It’s an easy way to exercise, and it can help you recover from surgery or injury faster than other forms of physical therapy. After all, it’s been used for centuries as a healing technique for many different ailments.
Q: Why is swimming good for recovery?
Answer: Swimming is beneficial for active recovery as well as recovery from an injury/surgery/illness. In terms of active and passive recovery, active recovery entails performing lighter activity/activities than usual, whereas passive recovery entails complete, total rest.
Q: When did swimming first become an Olympic event?
Answer: Swimming has been a part of the Olympic program since the first modern Olympics in 1896. It is one of only four domains to have been maintained and has appeared in every summer Olympics since, alongside athletics, artistic gymnastics, and fencing.
Q: How will you reiterate the benefits of swimming for the health of a person?
Answer: Swimming is a great way to stay healthy and active. Swimming can be a great workout, a good way to relax, and a fun activity for the whole family. It is also an easy activity for people with disabilities or other challenges. There are many benefits to swimming every day, as it provides physical and mental health benefits too.
Final Thoughts
Through the post, you may now get the answer to Why is swimming often a popular choice for physical therapy. There are many reasons, most of which are beneficial for the rehabilitation of injuries, increasing flexibility, and improving strength. Swimming can be a great form of exercise for everyone, but especially for those with joint issues like arthritis or other physical disabilities.
