Community Aquatics for Decreasing Pain By Robbie Boon, R.N.,
B.S.N.
Slide 3
Many rehab departments recommend gentle exercise to decrease
joint pain especially for arthritis. Hydro therapy is a light
resistance and low gravity form of therapy that may prove useful in
every form of arthritis and is recommended by the Arthritis
Foundation. Water temperature is about 83-90 degrees Fahrenheit
with low impact and no endurance component. Pain Management and
Aqua Therapy
Slide 4
Retrieved from Alteneder and Hornbeck, 2003, p.447
Slide 5
In the shallow end of a pool with approximately 3 feet in
diameter space distance away from each individual begin by walking
in place for about 1 minute then alternating forward, backward, and
sideways with some light energetic music. This is to be completed
in approximately (5 minutes total). Water Walking
Slide 6
Partner up and go to the step and assist one another to
gradually stretch with foot up behind you for the Hamstring. (Only
do this to where you are comfortable and do not hurt yourself.)
Then at the steps assist in placing the foot ahead of you and with
the foot elevated and toe pointing up stretch the calf. Return to
your spaces of about 3 feet apart and stretch arms above, (it may
be easier to lower yourself where shoulders are covered in water)
in front, and behind.(Total of 5 minutes) Walk / Stretch in
Water
Slide 7
Short periods of drawing circles with extremities at various
diameters start with right arm (30 seconds) Left arm (30 seconds)
Right leg (30 seconds) Left leg (30 seconds) Repeat for another
repetition Circles
Slide 8
March in place for approximately 1 minute Stand and raise
yourself on your tippy toes where you feel like you are rocking for
approximately ten times. Marching / Heel Raises
Slide 9
Place arms over head gradually by lowering body into the water
and move arms as you can. Alternate movement is to clap hands in
support of the others. Arm Raises
Slide 10
Walk in Place for 5 minutes gather in a circle to congratulate
one another for a job well done. Assist each other in leaving Cool
Down
Slide 11
Alteneder, R.R., & Hornbeck, C. (2003). Focus on you:
Advocating for aqua therapy; heres. what women need to know about
exercising in water. AWHONN Lifelines, 7(5), 445-449. Aquatic
Exercise Association. (2000-2013). Standards and Guidelines.
Retrieved June 26, 2013 from
http://www.aeawave.com/PublicPages/Education/StandardsGuideslines.aspx
Arthritis aquatic classes Knee Guru (n.d.) Retrieved June 26, 2013
from http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php Arthritis
Foundation. (2013). Resources Community programs for better living.
Aquatics. Retrieved June 25, 2013 from
http://www.arthritis.org/resources/community-programs/aquatics/
Winters C. (n.d.) Arthritis Today. Retrieved June 25, 2013 from
http://www.arthritstoday.org/what-you-can-do/staying-
active/activity-types/water-walking.php References
