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How Aquatic Therapy Can Help Your Osteoporosis

One of the most important things you can do to prevent or reduce the effects of osteoporosis is to maintain a regular exercise routine. Weight-bearing activities, such as walking or jogging, and resistance exercise, build muscle strength as well as improve your balance and Healthy Body awareness, thereby reducing your risk of falls

Osteoporosis affects millions of Canadian men and women over the age of 50. The term osteoporosis simply means “porous bone” and is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and a deterioration of bone tissue that leads to fragile bones and the risk of fractures.One of the most important things you can do to prevent or reduce the effects of osteoporosis is to maintain a regular exercise routine. Weight-bearing activities, such as walking or jogging, and resistance exercise, build muscle strength as well as improve your balance and Healthy Body awareness, thereby reducing your risk of falls. Unfortunately, many diagnosed with this disease are fearful when it comes to participating in an exercise routine. Aquatic therapy can help. Water serves as a safety net for individuals with osteoporosis. Physical therapy in a swimming pool provides a safe place for you to exercise without putting yourself at risk for falls or broken bones.

Aquatic therapy increases muscle strength, decreases pain by reducing weight-bearing forces to joints and bones, improves balance, speeds the rate of recovery, and increases proprioception (your Healthy Body’s ability to sense muscle and joint positioning).

Aquatic therapy can help you relax and improve your circulation, range of motion, muscle tone, and self-confidence. Half the battle of reducing falls is eliminating the fear.