And how AquaStretch uses water to heal
Exercising in water is rapidly becoming one of the most popular and effective ways to treat pain or injury and improve our overall physical suppleness and health. On average as much as 60 to 75% of our bodies are water. But did you know that water is also one of the three key elements (the other two being gels and fibres) that make up our fascia – the connective tissue that runs through our entire bodies and holds us together?
So it makes sense that being immersed in and moving mindfully in water is one of the most effective ways of easing chronic tension or pain and maintaining your body’s overall healthy movement and flexibility.
Exercising in water also has the advantage of being low impact. For some people, their injuries or ongoing pain make it too uncomfortable to exercise on land. But the natural resistance of water means that you are forced to move more slowly than you would do normally, lessening the risks of muscle strain or of aggravating an existing injury.
Being immersed in water means your whole body is being supported, your tight muscles can be stretched and relieved, and you can achieve a wider range of motion. Most people find that they can do things in the water that just aren’t otherwise possible on land, or on a chiropractor’s couch, especially if they’ve been suffering from long-term chronic pain. Water is often the one place where they can feel supple and agile again, giving them a much-needed boost, not only physically but also in their confidence.
So why is water-based stretching and exercising so effective? Here are the three main benefits of taking an AquaStretch session - or trying similar stretching exercises - in water.
1. Water creates natural pressure and resistance on your body
Being immersed in water means your whole body is being supported, your tight muscles can be stretched and relieved, and you can achieve a wider range of motion. Most people find that they can do things in water that just aren’t otherwise possible on land, or on a chiropractor’s couch, especially if they’ve been suffering from long-term chronic pain. Water is often the one place where they can feel supple and agile again, giving them a much-needed boost, not only physically but also in their confidence.
2. Being in water reduces sensitivity to touch
Your skin is home to a vast network of nerve endings that are built to respond to stimuli. Water provides a constant stimulus, dulling the reticular system which is the part of your brain that deals with tactile sensory neurons. This allows you to move much more freely and stretch further, which is important for your rehabilitation, long term flexibility and joint health. Plus for anyone with a phobia or fear of being touched the water dulls any over-sensitivity, allowing your AquaStretch Facilitator to treat you without any undue distress on your part.
3. Exercising in water improves your circulation
Because the hydrostatic pressure created by the water makes your heart work harder, your circulation improves as the blood flows to your limbs. The increased blood flow carries lactic acid – the cause of soreness – away, relaxing your muscles and easing any tension. Improved circulation also reduces stress on your muscles, cartilage, and fascia, giving them time to heal and meaning a reduced risk of injury from over-training.
At the hands of an expert, water can be vital in restoring your flexibility, keeping you supple and helping you recover from injury. The techniques I use in AquaStretch do just that, targeting the whole body while concentrating on the fascia and exploiting the water’s natural pressure and resistance in the healing process.
For more information about how AquaStretch works or to book a session please contact me.