Swimming
Although swimming can be a great way to beat the heat and cool down, it is also an effective form of therapy for individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Aquatic therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, uses the properties of water to heal and improve physical function. When practiced regularly, swimming can have the ability to significantly improve one’s mobility, strength, and pain. Now, let’s dive into some of the specific ways in which swimming can positively impact those who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
Muscle Strengthening and Improved Mobility
One primary benefit of swimming is that it can help to strengthen your muscles and improve your range of emotion. When you are swimming, whether you feel it or not, you are targeting a great variety of muscle groups, including your arms, legs, and core. The resistance that is created in the water makes the rehabilitation process particularly effective. The spinal cord attorneys at Jacobs & Jacobs explain that spinal cord injuries can lead to the loss of feeling and function in your limbs, and in worst case scenarios, paralysis. Therefore, it is vital that you do all that you can in order to rehabilitate and keep active.
Enhanced Balance and Coordination
Another great benefit of swimming is that it can improve your balance, coordination, and stability. This is due to the fact that aquatic therapy works to challenge your proprioception, which is your body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location. Fortunately, being in a pool allows you to work on your proprioception in a very safe environment. Becoming conscious of the way in which your body moves in the pool is likely to translate outside of the pool as well.
Pain Management
Unfortunately, many individuals with spinal cord injuries are likely to experience a great amount of chronic pain due to nerve damage and persistent tightness. Swimming can help increase the circulation of blood in your body and help to reduce any tension your spine and other connected muscles may be under. Additionally, it is much easier to stress and relax your muscles when you are underwater.
Cardiovascular Conditioning
Swimming is an often underappreciated form of exercise for improving your overall fitness. Aquatic therapy can help to get your heart pumping and increase your endurance levels. The great thing about swimming is that not only is it an excellent way to get in shape and keep healthy, but it is also very low-impact. What this means is that swimming is very unlikely to have severe effects and will not place undue stress on your body.
Improved Mental and Emotional Health
In addition to the physical benefits that swimming can provide for your spinal cord injury, aquatic therapy has also been shown to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals. Swimming promotes relaxation and calmness, releases endorphins in your brain, and reduces stress. Taken together, these benefits can help individuals reduce the debilitating psychological effects a spinal cord injury can have on an individual.
