Aquatic Therapy After Surgery Can Be Safe and Effective

In the past, doctors and medical specialists were concerned of prescribing water therapy and aquatic exercise soon after surgery. There was perceived risk of infection or other negative consequences when immersing an injury in water despite evidence that water therapy can expedite healing and reduce pain up to two weeks after a surgery is performed. However recent studies are showing that water therapy can be administered after surgery safely, and can help restore movement and healing faster for many joint replacements and restorations.

In 2013, an evaluation released by Villalta and Peiris showed there are no enhanced danger of infection or other negative occasions when immersing an injury as early at 4 days after surgery as long as it is covered with a proper water resistant dressing. The study further suggests that aquatic therapy can be utilized as in conjunction or as a substitute to above land treatments. This type of therapy and intervention makes a big difference especially in the early phases of orthopedic surgical treatment, such as rotator cuff repair works, overall knee replacements, overall hip replacement and post ACL restoration.

For numerous individuals, taking part in water physiotherapy prior to surgical treatment can reduce pain and discomfort more than relying on a land only workout alone. A research study by Wallis and Taylor (2011) looking at 23 research studies with 1461 individuals waiting for hip or knee replacement surgical treatment showed that performing aquatic therapy does decrease pain and discomfort prior to having joint replacement surgical treatment.

You have the option now of beginning your rehabilitation in a warm swimming pool without discomfort, and without the worry of reinjury. For many people, the powerful effects of water buoyancy and improved blood circulation can help them regain mobility and be able to work and play the way they have always wanted without suffering from pain and injury. With this encouraging medical information, more and more people can seek to add aquatic rehabilitation and intervention to their pre and post surgery recovery routines to improve their quality of life and the life of their loved ones.

Sources:

“Early aquatic physical therapy improves function and does not increase risk of wound-related adverse events for adults after orthopedic surgery”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22878230

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/crdweb/ShowRecord.asp?LinkFrom=OAI&ID=12013005333