Why is the pool so cool?

Water is a wonderful therapy setting. Aquatic environment allows movement in every direction; gentle resistance and it is easy to interact with. Immersing in the warm pool has many positive effects on physical and mental health.

Why is that? Water has certain qualities that make movement and body behave differently than on land:

Buoyancy is a force opposite to gravity. That's why astronauts train in the water before venturing into space. ;) The buoyancy provided by water has not only the potential for facilitating full or partial range of motion, but also postural control through a reduction in gravitational effects. This allows unique movement possibilities. In other words - it makes certain moves easier than on land. Floating equipment can add extra support or resistance and opens up a whole new level of creative ideas for water movement explorations.

Water conducts heat faster (about 25 times). than air, because of its density. This is the reason why we get colder in the water much faster. Recommended water temperature in hydrotherapy pool, according to various guidelines, should be between 30 C and 35 C degrees, depending on type of activities and therapeutic goals. It is very important to ensure the thermal comfort during therapy, to fully benefit from aquatic activities.

The density of water makes it a resistive medium to promote muscle power without excessive loading of the joints. To picture it better - have you ever tried running in the water? The resistance is gentle, but you won't be moving forward very fast. Water resistance activities are a good way to improve coordination, balance, body-awareness, development of gross motor skills and many, many more.

Hydrostatic pressure is a big advantage of immersing in the water for therapeutic reasons. It is a force exerted on the immersed body by fluid molecules – in other words –gentle ‘squeezing’ of the body by surrounding water. Hydrostatic pressure affects many body systems in a positive way. So much so, that even just staying neck-deep in the water for a couple of minutes has a therapeutic benefits and aids overall well-being. water rewards! 😊