Warm Water Exercise
Water exercise involves exercising in a pool, usually a heated, warm water pool, and may also be called ‘hydrotherapy’. It is one of the most comfortable and effective ways that a person with arthritis, or a related condition, can exercise because the joints and muscles can be exercised while supported in the water.
“Warm water exercise is the ideal way to be more active and improve your health. The soothing warmth and buoyancy of warm water makes it a comfortable, safe and gentle option,” said Di Spragg, physiotherapist and Arthritis NSW Health Promotion and Service Development Manager.
“There are numerous benefits to warm water exercise, it will increase muscle strength and flexibility, improve your coordination, endurance and your ability to perform daily tasks,” continued Ms Spragg.
Water exercise is an excellent way for people with arthritis to ease stiff joints and relax sore muscles. The buoyancy of the water takes the weight off painful joints. For example, if you stand in chest deep water, your legs only have to support a third of your body weight. This is why many people with arthritis in their feet, knees, back and hips find they are more comfortable and can move more freely in water than they can on land.
A hydrotherapy pool is heated to around 30-34 degrees Celsius, which helps loosen up joints and muscles, relieves pain, and keeps you warm while you are exercising.
Carol Matson has had osteoarthritis for nine years and started the classes six years ago, after finding yoga too difficult and painful.
“I find warm water exercise good because it works all the different parts of your body, you can go at your own pace and it’s social. I look forward to going every week,” she said.
Linda Barrymore who started warm water exercise over 15 years ago because of her rheumatoid and osteoarthritis feels similarly, stating, “I’m sure it has helped my joints, in fact my specialist wanted me to go twice a week!”
“Do it – go for it,” she urges everyone to sign-up and feel the benefits.
There are various options, depending on your needs, fitness and ability. Water can provide as little or as much resistance as you like. This means exercises can be easily adjusted to suit people with varied strength and mobility.
Arthritis NSW warm water exercise classes run for 45-minute classes are led by trained instructors.
To find out more about hydrotherapy pools and gentle water exercise classes in your area, see here.
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Arthritis NSW is offering a number of warm water exercises classes throughout NSW giving you the opportunity to exercise, with guidance from a trained instructor, in a friendly and social environment.