Hydrotherapy May Improve Mobility and Reduce Pain for Arthritis Sufferers
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
A new review indicates that hydrotherapy can improve walking, posture, and function while reducing pain for osteoarthritis patients. The therapy, conducted in warm water pools, lessens joint impact and is increasingly available through Israeli healthcare providers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hydrotherapy may improve walking, posture, and function for arthritis patients.
- The therapy is shown to reduce pain and enhance quality of life.
- Osteoarthritis affects hundreds of millions globally, projected to reach nearly a billion by 2050.
- A review of 834 participants showed significant improvements in mobility metrics.
- Hydrotherapy utilizes water buoyancy to reduce joint stress during exercise.
- The treatment is accessible through Israeli HMOs and specialized centers.
A new review suggests that hydrotherapy, or therapeutic exercise in warm water, can significantly improve walking, posture, and function for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, while also reducing pain. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual wearing down of cartilage, affects hundreds of millions globally and is projected to impact nearly a billion people by 2050. The condition commonly causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
The review, published in the journal Medicina and conducted by Romanian researchers, analyzed studies involving 834 participants aged approximately 54 to 69. It examined the effects of hydrotherapy on various metrics, including walking speed, stride length, balance, the ability to rise from a seated position, stair climbing, and pain levels. Researchers found that a considerable number of these measures showed improvement among patients who exercised in water.
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease, often affecting individuals over 50 and more commonly women, though it can occur at younger ages. Current treatments focus on pain management and maintaining function through exercise, physical therapy, weight loss, medication, and, in advanced cases, joint replacement surgery. However, land-based exercises can be painful for some due to the stress on joints.
Hydrotherapy utilizes the buoyancy of water to reduce the load on joints, enabling movement and exercises with less impact compared to land-based activities. The review's findings indicate improvements in walking and mobility, such as increased walking speed and stride length. Some studies also reported enhanced muscle function, better performance in sit-to-stand tests, and reduced pain and improved quality of life.
In Israel, hydrotherapy is available through health maintenance organizations (HMOs) under specific medical indications and eligibility. Organizations like the Boaz Center operate therapeutic pools in various locations, often in arrangements with HMOs, the Ministry of Defense, and insurance companies.