Water is essential to everyday life. From drinking to bathing, water helps people stay healthy and helps treat illness. Water is also used to ease or relieve some diagnosed conditions. For many seniors, hydrotherapy is more beneficial than other types of exercise or therapy since it is much easier on their joints. With home care assistance, seniors can benefit from hydrotherapy in their homes.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Decreased joint pain is not the only benefit seniors can gain from hydrotherapy. They may also feel relief from depression, headaches, muscle disorders, and conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis. Using both hot and cold water, treatments for each include the following.
Cold Water
- Decreased pain, specifically in the joints
- A reduction in inflammation
- Decreased tenderness in muscles
- Increased immune system
Hot Water
- Decreased pain, specifically in the joints
- Increased blood flow
- Relaxed muscles
- Decreased constipation
- Types of Hydrotherapy
Types of Hydrotherapy
There are various types of hydrotherapy, such as applying a cold compress on a sprained ankle or participating in a group water aerobics session. Seniors can join group hydrotherapy classes or get hydrotherapy at home with home care assistance. These are a few examples of the most common types:
- Aquatic Exercise
- This includes swimming and water aerobics. Seniors can find aquatic exercise classes at most fitness centers with pools. They don’t need to join a class, though. Seniors can simply jump into the pool and start swimming. Water is easy on seniors’ joints and achy muscles. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that swimming has multiple benefits, especially for those suffering from arthritis and mental health issues. Swimming is an excellent way to work physical activity into their day, incredibly if other exercise modes are too taxing on their body.
- Physical Therapy With the Use of Water
- Physical therapy in the water is more targeted than aquatic exercise. This treatment involves a certified physical therapist and will focus on specific conditioning aspects. Physical therapists can provide seniors, and home care aids with activities that can also be done outside the water to assist with their needs.
- Taking a Bath
- Yes, taking a bath falls under the category of hydrotherapy. Seniors can take baths when their muscles ache from a long day due to chronic conditions or physical activity. Different tub options are available for seniors, including walk-in tubs or non-slip surfaces. When taking a bath, loved ones can talk with seniors and home care professionals about their needs.
- Sauna
- Sitting in the sauna is incredibly relaxing. The more relaxed seniors are, the better equipped they are to handle everyday stressors. Increased relaxation also helps them sleep, improves their mood, and gives them the energy they need to tackle their day.
Hydrotherapy is a beneficial technique for seniors, whether they are dealing with joint pain or chronic disorders. It is a technique that home care professionals can support by working with seniors in the home or transporting them to hydrotherapy opportunities such as aquatic classes.
For more information about how caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents stay in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care Assistance in San Diego, CA, and the surrounding communities.
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