The water offers buoyancy which decreases the stress on your joints but, also provides resistance for strength and endurance training. People with arthritis, acute low back pain, total joint replacements or chronic pain syndrome find water exercises very helpful. These individuals are able to exercise without causing a flare-up. Typically, as they build strength in the water, activities outside of the water become less difficult. Water exercise is different than water therapy .
Water therapy is guided by a licensed physical therapist.
Typically, it takes place in a warmer pool. The therapist selects the appropriate exercises to correct a specific problem. Water therapy tends to be less vigorous and more individualized. Water exercise is usually lead by an individual trained in aquatic exercise. The class size and the intensity of exercise varies.