When you think of swimming, you likely picture summer days at the beach or pool. However, swimming is more than just a recreational activity. Swimming is one of the best natural ways to alleviate joint pain, strengthen muscles, and improve overall health. Our team at Free Body Physical Therapy would like to discuss how swimming can help your joint pain, so continue reading to learn more.
What Causes Joint Pain?
If you experience frequent joint aches, you’ll probably want to know what causes them and what can be done to alleviate your pain. Joint pain can stem from various causes and is extremely common. This type of pain can affect nearly every part of your body, from your fingers and hands to your lower extremities. Some of the prevalent causes of joint pain include:
- Tendon Injuries – Injuries to the tendons like inflammation and swelling or tendon tears are common causes of joint pain.
- Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of joint pain that occurs when the lining of the joints is worn down. While osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it commonly affects the hands, hips, and knees.
- Ligament Injuries – Injuries to the ligaments around the ankles and knees can contribute to joint pain.
- Meniscus Injuries – Injuries to the cartilage in the knee that stabilizes the joint are another common cause of knee pain. The meniscus is usually injured during athletic activities.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can lead to joint inflammation and pain.
Why Is Swimming Good For Joint Pain?
Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities for a reason. You don’t need to be a skilled swimmer to reap the benefits of this exercise. Many people use water therapy to aid in the rehabilitation of bone and joint injuries. If you’re looking for low-impact exercises to get back into shape, Free Body Physical Therapy can help! Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, lower back pain, or post-surgical joint pain, swimming is one of the best activities you can perform under the guidance of a skilled physical therapist. Here are some of the reasons why swimming is good for joint pain:
- Low Impact – When you swim, your body is supported by the water, which takes some of the pressure off of your joints. This makes swimming an excellent exercise for people with joint pain, as it is gentle on the joints and does not put too much strain on them.
- Improves Muscle Strength – When the muscles around the joints are strong, they can provide more support and stability to the joints, which can help to reduce pain.
- Improves Range of Motion – The movements involved in swimming can help to increase your range of motion and flexibility. This can, in turn, help reduce joint pain and the risk of future injuries.
- Low-Stress Cardio – Swimming is a great way to get in some cardio without putting too much stress on your body. Cardiovascular exercise is important for overall health, but it can be difficult for people with joint pain to do high-impact activities such as running or jumping. Swimming is a great alternative that will still provide cardio benefits without putting too much strain on your joints.
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Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity that has many health benefits. If you are looking for a way to reduce your joint pain, swimming is a fantastic option. Not only is it low-impact and gentle on the joints, but it is a great way to improve your overall health and fitness. To learn more about the benefits of swimming for joint pain, be sure to contact Free Body Physical Therapy and request an appointment today!