Did you ever wonder how swimming can help with back pain? Can swimming help back pain? The swimming pool contractors at Advanced Pool Care in Memphis Tennessee say that, yes, swimming can help with back pain but urger you to talk with your doctor, too.
We certainly understand that if you have back pain you are always on the lookout for some sort of “cure” of even a way to alleviate back pain so you can get back into life. You want to get off of pain killers — or avoid using them at all and you certainly don’t want surgery. If that’s the case, you may want to turn to a swimming pool — in your own backyard as a way to alleviate back pain and feel better! We know of many, many people who had back pain who now feel better and are more active simply because they are swimming. Make sure you check with your doctor before you start swimming, but chances are he or she will agree that it’s a great way to get exercise and help alleviate pain.
How swimming can help with back pain
It may seem counterintuitive to think that getting out and moving will help your back pain because you know that if you sit really still, sometimes, you can gain relief. But as your doctor will tell you, moving is best because sitting around will lead to obesity and other health issues. Also, swimming may help you lose weight and if your weight is an issue, this is a double benefit.
You may want to pick up in-pool exercise equipment that could include:
- Paddles to help with water resistance
- Pool noodles for balance
- Kickboards to help with swimming
- Exercise bands to help with resistance
- Swim fins
- A life vest in case you’re not a strong swimmer
Swimming builds muscle and strengthens your core and that could relieve back pain. Exercising in a swimming pool will also protect your joints and muscles from pain because of the buoyancy of the water.
Try these simple exercises:
- Walking back and forth from side to side in the shallow end
- Walking faster once you’re warmed up and feel more comfortable
- Add deep leg lunges to your walking. Take a long step, as deep as you can with keeping your head above water
- Grab the side of the pool or your kickboard and kick. Start out at a minute or two then work your way up
- Grab the side of the pool, lift one leg and twist from side to side with your leg extended. Switch legs. Do ten reps.
- Walk sideways as this works different muscles than walking forward.
- Walk backward because this uses different muscles than forward or sideways walking.
- Grab the side of the pool, lift your legs and twist from side to side using your stomach muscles only.
- Work your way up to swimming laps. Wear your life vest if necessary and use your kickboard. Eventually, use your swim fins.
- Exercise cool down Just as you cool down from any other exercise you will want to do the same when you’re done in the pool. Do some slow walking for five minutes; walk forward, backward and side to side.
- Swimming also brings another benefit — you just may sleep better because you’re getting a cardio workout!
If you want to get healthier this summer, give us a call and let’s talk about your swimming pool project.
