If you suffer from asthma symptoms, then you may find exercising difficult. In some individuals, exercise can trigger an attack even if they don't have asthma problems otherwise. Because of these attacks, or a fear of having one, you may have decided that exercising is too much trouble. However, with the right therapist, aqua therapy may be a good option for you.
What is aqua therapy?
Aqua therapy is the process of doing certain exercises in water to help with certain health conditions. It can be done as a group or done individually. Aqua therapy often helps people who have trouble with standard weight-bearing exercises. Some types of therapy also target overall fitness and vary in intensity and the type of exercises involved. Exercises commonly performed in aqua therapy include running under water, balance exercises and variations on stretching and breathing exercises. Many therapists who focus on a specific problem are well versed in their related issues.
How can aqua therapy help asthmatics?
Much of aqua therapy involves learning how to be aware of and control your breathing. This is especially helpful with asthmatics as it helps strengthen the lungs and increase capacity. One of the ways it helps the lungs is by providing breathing resistance with the water. The weight of the surrounding water puts pressure on the diaphragm, or breathing mechanism. This type of therapy also works out the heart and other aspects of the circulatory system. The humidity surrounding the water also has a therapeutic effect by keeping allergens low and drawing warm, moist air into the airways.
How do asthmatics get involved in aqua therapy?
See your doctor before starting any exercise program, especially if your asthma is severe. Make sure you see a licensed aqua therapist, and make sure they are knowledgeable about asthma and what to do if there is a breathing emergency. Your best bet is to find a therapist who specializes in heart and lung issues and has a specific plan in place. Talk to them about what programs might help you the best, and keep your emergency medication close at hand while you work out.
Cardio exercise of any type can help improve lung function if introduced properly. Though aqua therapy has been well known to help those with joint and balance issues, it can have varied results for other issues. Know your limits and be sure to stop or slow down when you feel short of breath or tired. See your doctor if these symptoms get worse. The end goal, after you get into the groove of the exercises, is that your breathing will improve and reduce your chances of attack.
For more information, contact professionals like Integrated Medical Care.
Share22 July 2016
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.