Benefits of Aquatics Therapy After a Shoulder Replacement

It is no secret that shoulder injuries can be downright debilitating, oftentimes resulting in the need for surgery. One of the most common instances where surgery is the only option is when a shoulder replacement is in order. No amount of pain medication or physical therapy can prevent this from being the only viable option. However, when it comes to the recovery time, it may be best to look into the many wonderful benefits of therapy, aquatics therapy in particular. A few months back we discussed how physical therapy can help shoulder pain, and today we are going to look at the benefits of water therapy after a shoulder replacement.

When your doctor tells you that a shoulder replacement is your only option, it’s safe to say many different thoughts come to mind. How long will I be out of work? What does the recovery period look like? Will I ever gain back full motion in my shoulder? Is another surgery in my future? While the answer to many of these questions depends on the individual person and their overall health, one way that we can help move along the recovery process in a safe and effective manner is through aquatics therapy. Many patients note that they enjoy water therapy after a major surgery like shoulder surgery because it is pain free. The very thought of moving the shoulder can be cringe-worthy after surgery, but a warm water pool helps make this feat all the more attainable.

The Role of Aquatics Therapy in Shoulder Rehabilitation

When it comes to entering into an aquatics therapy program following shoulder surgery, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• It can help restore the strength and stability in the shoulder that underwent surgery
• It can restore natural movement patterns
• Water therapy is typically not a standalone treatment, meaning it should be used alongside other shoulder physiotherapy programs in order to truly improve range of motion and muscle strength
• It decreases swelling by way of hydrostatic pressure from the water, moving fluid away from the post-surgical site
• Warm water helps decrease the amount of pain a patient is experiencing
• It helps with ease of movement, providing a comfortable and safe setting where individuals can focus on recuperating and regaining their strength

As you can see, aquatics therapy can go a long way in aiding your recovery process following a shoulder replacement. It is important that you consult with your physician prior to starting an aquatics therapy program, as he or she will know whether or not this is the right form of therapy for your needs.

Benefits of Water Therapy

Before we wrap up, let’s touch on a few of the most important benefits of aquatics therapy as a refresher:

• Provides pain relief
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Increases joint range of motion
• Strengthens muscles
• Improves circulation
• Retrains balance and coordination

To learn more about our Arlington, Grand Prairie, or Bedford aquatics therapy services for those recovering from a shoulder replacement, please contact Classic Rehabilitation today.