Pain is an initial normal response to injury, and often associated with swelling.

Early aquatic physiotherapy means the warmth and hydrostatic pressure of water can help reduce swelling and improve circulation. The increased blood flow significantly improves oxygen delivery and the circulatory drive to remove muscle metabolic waste products. Buoyancy offloads bone, muscle and soft tissues helping to protect them whilst rehabilitation regains movement and strength. 

When pain persists longer than the expected healing time it can become persistent or chronic.

Chronic pain can cause much suffering and affects a person's movement, function and wellbeing. Chronic pain is an umbrella term covering a wide range of conditions which are characterised by long term pain. Common conditions include Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME. These conditions are similar in that none have a known cause, unlike chronic pain which is caused by structural deformities such as with arthritis or nerve entrapment for example.

Research has shown pain can be reduced whilst in warm water due to:

• sensory overflow modulation from the skin sensory nerve endings being affected by the water’s temperature, pressure and touch

• suppression of the release of noradrenaline (a chemical neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system) which then promotes relaxation, interrupts the pain cycle, reduces inflammation and improves blood flow

• buoyancy and water resistance providing support so the individual can pace activity, and be in control to exercise and perform normal functional movements that are often limited on land.

Aquatic therapy is a great way to manage all types of pain.