Under Water Treadmill
We have access to a revolutionary underwater treadmill. It stands on the height adjustable floor in the pool, so can be fully adjusted to the optimal depth for an individual. We can use changing depths of water as part of individuals progression through exercise.
All sessions are physiotherapy led in order to maximise the potential benefits from it for each individuals needs.
Benefits of the underwater treadmill
Gait training in a weight supported environment
This particularly helps individuals with risk and fear of falling, enables some individuals to walk with less or no upper limb support, improved gait patterns, and most importantly improved confidence. All of these potential benefits allow people to gain greater repetition numbers and therefore more potential for neuro-plastic change and recovery.
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Gait training in a low impact environment
This is beneficial for pain and impact on joints, by removing decreasing stress on joints. This is especially important for those individuals with degenerative changes in joints or an increased BMI.
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Improved cardiovascular stamina
Lengthier exercise durations along with individuals often being able to work at a higher intensity result in improved endurance. At lower speeds individuals often benefit from being able to exercise for longer, and at higher speeds individuals benefit from working against the resistance of the water.
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Improved Muscle Strengthening
Studies show that exercising on an underwater treadmill are highly effective in building muscle strength. This is true for individuals who otherwise would not be able to walk/exercise to this intensity without the water’s support. And also for those who are able to transition into running, where they benefit from working against the viscosity of the water.
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Reduces Joint stiffness
Exercising in warm water helps muscles, connective tissue and joints loosen and become more supple. In addition the high repetitions individuals are able to gain int eh weight supported environment are extremely beneficial in mobilising joints, improving flexibility and decreasing pain.
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Improves Confidence
Exercising in the weight supported environment often gives individuals the confidence to go further and faster, and to try new things that they previously thought not possible. And all without the fear of falling. We often find this has amazing carry over onto land, giving individuals the confidence to do more in their day to day lives.
