Enjoy the recent heat wave by getting in the pool! Each summer in Northeastern Pennsylvania people open their pools for fun in the sun. However, this summer I urge you to look at your pleasure puddle in different light…a health spa! It may very well be the exercise of choice for many people. Many have discovered the benefits of moving their limbs in the warm water of a home pool following knee or shoulder surgery. Also, long distance runners who often look for cross training methods without joint compression and arthritis sufferers who are often limited in exercise choices by joint pain from compressive forces when bearing weight, can enjoy the buoyancy effects of  water. These are good examples of the benefits or water exercise…aerobic and resistive exercise without joint compression.

Exercise and Arthritis

Most doctors recommend some form of exercise with arthritis. Pain and fatigue are the most limiting factors for the person with arthritis. Pool exercise may be the answer. With proper technique, adequate rest periods, appropriate resistance and repetitions, water exercise can be very effective.

Benefits of Water Exercise

The following are some of the benefits of water exercise:

• Decreased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• Improved Endurance
• Improved Strength – with resistance of water to exercise muscles
• Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion – with less pain
• Improved Function in Daily Activities
• Maintain Mobility
• Improved Balance
• Slow Down Osteoporosis
• Weight Control – which leads to less stress on joints
• Improved Mood and Attitude – release of endorphins and serotonin
• Improved Circulation – especially in warm water
• Decreased Muscle Spasm and Tension – especially in warm water
• Decreased Stress on Joints – Buoyancy effect of water

Begin Water Exercise

• Medical Clearance – see your family physician for clearance especially if you have a cardiac history or joint replacements. Do not use pool if you have surgical sutures or an open wound.
• Warm Pool - 83-88 degrees Fahrenheit
• Water Walking Exercise– begin in shallow end
• Water Running Exercise– with buoyancy vest in deep end
• Water Aerobics Exercise– using arms and legs as in regular aerobic exercise but in the water
• Strength & Flexibility Exercise – just as on land but in water

1. Start Slowly – Don’t Overdo it

• 5-10 minutes and repetitions first time and add 2-3 minutes/repetitions each week
• Long Term Goal: 20 – 40 minutes per session 3-4 times per week

2. Submerge The Body Part that you want to exercise into the water and move it slowly

3. Complete The Range of Motion: Initially 5 times, then 10-15-20-30 times

4. Assess: Determine if you have pain 3-4 hours after you exercise or into the next day. If so, you overdid it and should make adjustments next time by decreasing repetitions, speed, amount and intensity of exercise.

5. Warm-Up. Make sure you warm up slowly before the exercise with slow and easy movements.

6. Advance Slowly. By adding webbed gloves, weighted boots, and buoyant barbells to increase the resistance.

7. Exercises – standing in shallow end of pool

• Heel Raises – push toes down and heel up
• Toe Raises – lift toes up and heel down
• Leg Kicks – extend leg up and down
• Hip Hike – raise knee up 4-6 inches and down
• Leg Squeeze – squeeze knees together and apart
• Leg Curl – bend knee
• Torso Twist – slowly turn arms/torso to right, then to left
• Shoulder Forward and Backward – like paddling a boat
• Shoulder Out and In – like a bird flying
• Bend Elbow Up and Down

Visit your doctor regularly and listen to your body.

NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”

This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com

Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an affiliated faculty member at the University of  Scranton, PT Dept.