Question: When Is Water Exercise Not Recommended?
Answer: Water exercise can provide numerous benefits to back pain sufferers, because it strengthens and stabilizes your lower back, decreases pain and increases joint range-of-motion. But there are some situations when water exercise is not an appropriate activity. If you have any of the following conditions, refrain from going in the water until you have cleared it with your physician:
- Fear of water. If you have a fear of water, it will likely interrupt any benefits you might otherwise receive for being there.
- Neurological diseases. If you have MS or another neurological disease, check with your doctor regarding any special considerations/precautions to take before going in the water.
- Seizures. People with epilepsy need to be monitored very closely when they are in the water. It is important to take your medicine before going in the water. Consult with your physician to determine if you are able to use the pool for an exercise session on your own. If you have uncontrollable seizures, it is unsafe for you to be in the water at all.
- Heart disease. If you have heart disease, you will need to be closely monitored in the pool. Consult with your doctor or exercise physiologist to determine if a pool workout is compatible with your fitness and health goals. For some heart conditions, going in the water is not advisable at all.
- Open wounds and infection. If you have open wounds, or skin infections, you should not go in the water.
- Flu and other infectious diseases. Avoid going in the pool when you are sick, as it can make you sicker, and your may infect others.
- If you cannot control your bowel or bladder, everyone present will be required to evacuate the pool so it can be cleaned or treated with chemicals.
