Water Exercise for Peripheral Neuropathy
Better on Water than on Land:
Aquatic Exercise for Peripheral Neuropathy
The Neuropathy Association of Texas (NATX) recently shared a presentation on aquatic exercise for neuropathy, presented by Julie O'Conner, Aquatic Specialist of Sun City Texas.
The Benefits of Water Exercise
FPN Support Groups
Less impact, easier movements
Improves muscle strength,
Improves circulation and increases oxygen movement in the bloodstream- both good for nerve regeneration and health
Reduces pain
Builds muscle that can help balance
Social interaction
Just plain fun!
Safety First!
Tread carefully on slippery areas around the pool.
Plan how to get in and out of the pool in a safe manner.
Wear aqua pool shoes in and around the water for both stability and to protect your feet.
Remember to bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.
Do as much as you are comfortable doing, and build up to longer, more difficult workouts.
Types of Aquatic Exercise
Shallow end: Using different equipment or movements with correct posture.
Deep water movements:(non-weight bearing)
Swimming
Ai chi - Tai Chi in water
Water Strolling: walking in water about abdomen high. Hold your back straight, and try not to walk on tiptoes.
Training or condition in water
Hydrotherapy
You can find the video of Ms. O'Conner's presentation here.
Click here to learn more about NATX and other Support Groups!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Hi @steeldove -- I didn't see any links above so found the video and the website link to the website with links to the different support groups.
YouTube video of Aquatic Exercise for Neuropathy by Julie O'Conner, BS, AEA (36 minutes)
-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wrBRtWvFV0
Neuropathy Support Network -- https://neuropathysupportnetwork.org/
John
Useful information, but unfortunately, Julie O'Conner is such a poor speaker that it makes it difficult to watch.
Hello @steeldove, what I worry about is the bleach and othe chemicals used in the water. Are those safe for neurophaty ? Thank you !!
Not sure what effect chemicals could have on neuropathy. Most pools nowadays use bromine, not chlorine, so there's no longer that "pool smell" you may remember from days past. I've been committed to my deep-water workout for the past 15 years, and while I can no longer hike or walk seriously, I still can get a full body workout in the water.
Thank you for the info. That’s Good to know, i will try to Find a pool close home and see if that helps.