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Can aquatic therapy ease back pain? New study reveals surprising results

Can aquatic therapy improve the strength in your spine and help you sleep?

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man swimming in pool
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I can say from experience that swimming and moving around in the water helps lower my pain and stiffness in my joints and muscles. The water has enough resistance and buoyancy to help you enhance muscle strength and tone while reducing the stress on your joints.

The toll of chronic back pain

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Researchers and health professionals point out that low back pain is a public health concern that reduces quality of life and impedes movement. They also discuss how aquatic exercise has less spinal loading, and many people find it easier to move in the water. In a recent study, researchers explored the benefits of aquatic therapy for chronic lower back pain and beyond. What’s the effect of aquatic exercise on lumbar paraspinal muscle volume, composition, and strength? Let’s dive in (pun intended).

The study

man swimming in pool
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A study published in the journal Scientific Reports involved 34 participants with chronic low back pain. The researchers assigned the participants to one of two groups:

  1. Group one: Aquatic exercise program (focused on building strength in the torso and hips)
  2. Group two: Standard exercise treatment for low back pain
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The individuals were supervised by certified athletic therapists. For 10 weeks, they took part in the standard exercise treatment program or the standard aquatic therapy program. Participants took strength tests and MRI scans before their first session and 10 weeks later, after their last treatment session. Participants also filled out questionnaires about the following:

  • Disability
  • Quality of life
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep quality
  • Pain-related fears

The results

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Victoria Ugarte / Pexels

The results of this study revealed the following:

  • Those who completed the aquatic therapy had clinically significant improvements in sleep disturbance and pain-related fear compared to individuals who completed the standard exercise programs.
  • Aquatic therapy was associated with improved psychological outcomes for those dealing with chronic lower back pain and the fear and anxiety that come along with it.
  • The aquatic exercise therapy group had a significant increase in the muscle size of the erector spinae in the upper spine, which plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the spine. This muscle growth wasn’t evident in the lower lumbar spine.
  • Both the standard exercise program and the aquatic therapy groups showed notable improvements in mean and maximum lumbar strength.

Kinesiophobia

man swimming
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Kinesiophobia is a condition referring to the fear of physical activity or movement, often due to the fear of anticipated pain. I’ve personally dealt with this as I’ve had ankylosing spondylitis (an autoimmune bone condition that affects the spine) for over 11 years now. It took me some time to tell my brain that the right kinds of movement can be especially beneficial when you’re suffering from pain and inflammation in your spine, instead of just freezing from the pain or from the fear of the pain if you move the wrong way.

The water provides support, resistance, and buoyancy for your joints. This study emphasizes the benefits of aquatic therapy for strengthening the spine, reducing fear of pain, and even helping you get better sleep. I think I’m overdue for my next swim.

Steph Green
Steph Green
Steph Green (Steph Zee) is a singer-songwriter and professional writer with over 12 years of experience in healthcare and…
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