Ease back pain with exercise in water with a physiotherapist.Hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic therapy) is a highly effective treatment for lower back pain, harnessing the unique properties of water to support both immediate pain relief and long-term rehabilitation. It’s suitable for most major types of back pain, including mechanical issues, disc problems, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery.
Stage 1: Pain ReliefWarm water (around 32°C) combined with buoyancy dramatically reduces the load on your spine. By floating with aids like noodles, kick boards, or belts, gravity’s pull is almost eliminated—often cutting compressive forces on the lower back by up to 90%. This creates a near-weightless environment where tight muscles relax, inflammation decreases, and acute pain eases quickly. Many people feel instant relief simply by lying back and letting the water cradle their body. Stage 2: Rehabilitation & StrengtheningOnce pain is under control, hydrotherapy shines in rehab. The low-impact setting allows you to perform higher volumes of exercise with far less discomfort than on land. You can move through greater ranges of motion without jarring the spine. Core Strengthening A key benefit is core activation. In water, your legs can’t “cheat” by pushing off the ground--all stability comes from your deep abdominal and back muscles. Simple exercises like water walking, leg lifts, or gentle twists build endurance and control in the core, which is critical for preventing future back pain. Why It Works for All Major Back Pain Types
In summary, hydrotherapy doesn’t just mask lower back pain; it unloads, heals, and rebuilds in a way land-based therapy often can’t match. |