Compression therapy and aquatic exercise are two effective strategies for managing swelling, improving circulation, and promoting overall vascular and lymphatic health. When used together, they can create a powerful synergy that benefits patients managing conditions like lymphedema, venous insufficiency, and post-surgical edema.
Why Aquatic Therapy Works
Water provides natural resistance and buoyancy, creating a gentle, supportive environment for movement. Immersion in water up to the chest provides a form of hydrostatic pressure—an even, consistent compression exerted on the body by the surrounding water. This hydrostatic pressure helps:
- Reduce edema and swelling
- Promote venous return to the heart
- Support lymphatic drainage
- Decrease joint stress and facilitate easier movement
Essentially, water acts like a full-body compression garment.
The Benefits of Combining Compression Therapy and Aquatic Exercise
When patients engage in aquatic exercise alongside their compression therapy regimen, they can experience enhanced benefits:
- Enhanced Swelling Reduction: The water’s natural pressure complements mechanical compression therapy, promoting faster decongestion of limbs.
- Improved Mobility and Strength: Exercise provides resistance to strengthen the muscle pump mechanism, a critical factor in assisting venous and lymphatic return.
- Pain Reduction: Water immersion can soothe sore muscles and joints, while the resulting compression reduces pressure on nerve endings.
- Increased Adherence: Aquatic exercise can be a low-impact, enjoyable activity that encourages patients to stay active.
How to Integrate Compression and Aquatic Therapy Safely
While aquatic therapy is beneficial, it’s important to integrate it thoughtfully, especially for patients with chronic swelling disorders.
Best Practices:
- Pre-Aquatic Compression Therapy: Use your AIROS Medical compression device before aquatic exercise to help pre-condition the limb and reduce baseline swelling.
- Post-Aquatic Compression Therapy: After exiting the pool and fully drying off, apply compression garments or devices promptly to maintain the swelling reduction achieved during exercise.
- Garment Selection: Although not needed in many cases, some patients may benefit from wearing compression wraps designed for water use during aquatic exercise—always under clinician guidance.
- Medical Clearance: Always ensure patients are medically cleared for aquatic exercise, particularly if they have cardiac conditions, skin infections, or open wounds or incontinence.
Clinical Guidance is Key
Just like with traditional compression therapy, aquatic therapy should be part of a clinically supervised plan. Certified lymphedema therapists, physical therapists, and vascular specialists can help tailor aquatic exercise programs to individual needs, ensuring safety and maximizing benefit.
Compression therapy and aquatic exercise together can offer a dynamic, patient-centered approach to managing chronic swelling and circulatory disorders. With AIROS Medical’s innovative compression devices and support from skilled clinicians, patients can reclaim greater mobility, comfort, and confidence.
Interested in learning more about enhancing compression therapy outcomes? Contact AIROS Medical today at www.airosmedical.com.
