When summer hits, the pool isn’t just a place to relax—it can also be a great environment for recovery. If you’re dealing with joint pain, healing from an injury, or simply trying to stay active while managing discomfort, aquatic exercise is a low-impact option worth exploring.

At Typaldos Physical Therapy in Nixa, MO, we often recommend gentle pool-based movement as a way to supplement your recovery safely—especially during the warmer months.

Why Water Works

Water provides natural support and reduces the effect of gravity on your body. That means less pressure on your joints, less strain on your muscles, and more freedom to move. For people recovering from surgery, injury, or managing chronic pain, this can make all the difference in staying active without overdoing it.

Low-Impact Strength and Resistance

In water, every movement meets resistance—which helps build strength and endurance without requiring weights or high-impact motion. Whether you’re walking laps, doing leg lifts, or using foam dumbbells, the water adds just enough resistance to challenge your muscles in a controlled way.

It’s a simple way to work on strength without risking reinjury or joint irritation.

Improved Flexibility and Balance

Pools also make it easier to stretch and practice balance. The support of the water allows for a wider range of motion and helps reduce the fear of falling—especially important for those who feel unsteady on land.

Simple movements like side steps, toe touches, or shoulder rolls become easier and more effective when done in the water.

Pain Relief and Relaxation

Warm water can naturally soothe sore muscles, promote circulation, and help ease tension throughout the body. For many people, aquatic exercise becomes one of the only ways they can move without pain—and that movement can lead to real progress over time.

It’s also mentally calming, making it a great option for both physical and emotional recovery.

A Summer-Friendly Way to Heal

Aquatic exercise is especially appealing during summer. It keeps you cool, gives your joints a break, and helps you stay on track with your healing. Whether you’re at a community center pool, a backyard pool, or a local gym, just a few sessions a week can support strength, mobility, and overall function.

Before You Dive In

While aquatic exercise is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to check with your physical therapist or healthcare provider before starting something new—especially if you’re recovering from a recent injury or surgery.

Recovery doesn’t have to mean staying still. With the right approach, a little time in the water can help you move better and feel better—all summer long.

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Questions about safe recovery practices? Call Typaldos Physical Therapy at 417-725-5774.

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