Surely you have heard about the benefits of doing sports in the water. Well, the rise of sports practice in water is now focused on any age, be it children, pregnant women and the elderly. Learn about the benefits of hydrocinese for health and the spine.
What is hydrokinesia?
Hydrokinesis, also known as therapeutic swimming, it is a set of activities and exercises that are carried out in the water, and are carried out with the aim of reconditioning certain injuries and pathologies.
It is important to mention the Archimedes' principle, which indicates that “A body totally or partially immersed in a fluid at rest experiences a vertical upward thrust equal to the weight of the fluid displaced”. Associating this principle with swimming, the perceived body weight can be up to 90% lower in the water, therefore, the impact of performing exercises in the water is minimal.
Benefits of practicing exercises in water
Practicing sports in the water brings numerous benefits. First of all, exercises in the water They make up a perfect combination of fun, training and comfort.
On the other hand, the resistance force of the water accelerates toning, in addition to producing an increase in the calories consumed in the water.
With sports exercises in the water, stress is reduced on the joints, bones and muscles being worked. In addition, the risk of injuries is minimized, whether at the muscle, joint and bone level thanks to the body's resistance in the water.
Another benefit of hydrokinesis is improve cardiovascular resistance in the aquatic environment, by reducing blood pressure.
Benefits of physical activity in the aquatic environment for back pain
In addition to the benefits mentioned in general terms, therapeutic swimming is a good way to treat pain that occurs in the spine, so that it can help prevent back injuries with activities in the aquatic environment.
When swimming, the muscles of the back and its joints are strengthened and improvements in flexibility are observed, so that the technique improves considerably.
Thanks to swimming, it is possible to improve body posture, in addition to preventing and correcting all possible deformities of the spine.
Spinal diseases that benefit from hydrokinesia
Swimming is good for the treatment of scoliosis, but there are certain swimming styles such as breaststroke and butterfly that are not recommended for a patient with scoliosis.
Herniated discs are other diseases that benefit from therapeutic swimming.
Hydrokinesis also helps to improve low back pain, always paying special attention to the technique to use.
Certain swimming exercises help diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Exercises in water for back treatment
Symmetrical exercises in water help strengthen the spine. Butterfly swimming is one of the recommended ways to treat back injuries.
On the other hand, asymmetric exercises help correct the curvature of the back. For the treatment of lower back pain, an effective practice is swimming crawl.
In addition, the use of the pull-boy helps to improve the stability of swimming, so that the lower back does not sink.
Tips when swimming without damaging the spine
To avoid unnecessary damage to the spine, it is always recommended to attend assisted swimming classes with a specialist in therapeutic swimming instructor.
It is also important to start swimming gradually, so as not to cause overstrain on the spine.
Avoiding keeping the lumbar area in tension is one of the fundamental tips during swimming, as well as maintaining a horizontal position of the body.
For lower back and cervical pain, it is recommended to avoid breaststroke and butterfly swimming styles.
The practice of hydrokinesis is a recommended way to significantly reduce spinal and back pain and help prevent injuries from worsening. At ICAC we are spine specialists, and we have been helping patients with pathologies in their spine for more than 10 years. Make an appointment at our center and get the most accurate diagnosis.
28 thoughts on “Mejora dolores y lesiones de columna con la práctica de hidrocinesia”
Hello. It turns out that they found a lumbar impingement, so the traumatologist suggested that I not use the pullboy, (I'm sorry for the discomfort) but when I asked him if I could use frog legs, he also told me no. I don't agree, since the legs are a bit low, and it also amuses me. Could you give me your vision? Thank you so much.
Hello Élida, if your traumatologist has given you that indication, we understand that he had his reasons. To tell you anything more we would need to perform an in-person physical examination and review your x-rays and medical history.
Greetings
I started swimming, I swam crawl. I only did 4 pool lengths. My upper back hurts. I am 69 years old. Can I continue swimming despite the pain or do I have to take medication or consult a doctor.
Hello Ruben,
It would be best to consult with your physiotherapist and swimming teacher to see if there is any postural issue or you are straining any part excessively.
Greetings.
Good afternoon. I'm Jordi. I am 60 years old. Lifelong road cyclist and swimmer. I have been diagnosed with FACET DEGENERATIVE ARTHROPATHY (L4-L5). last September because I had severe discomfort in my lower lumbar area.
I'm swimming and strengthening my CORE and stretching every day.
I have a degree in Physical Education. I am very aware of the injury. I also have a herniated disc (L4-l5) although it doesn't bother me. The question is what swimming style do you recommend? I'm doing front crawl and backstroke with pull boy.
The other question is whether I will really be able to ride a bike on the road again. I have an extensive history of marathons (I stopped running at age 35) and open water trips.
The last 10 years I have focused on cycling (I have climbed mountain passes in France and every year I do the Quebrantahuesos test).
Thank you very much and I await your opinions on this matter.
Sincerely
JORDI PRAT RIBA (barcelona)
Hello Jordi,
I would need to evaluate your images. Medical tests and clinical examination. It is difficult to make a judgment only with the comments you make to us.
Greetings
Hi, I have a herniated disc. Is it a good idea to go to ICAC at 75 years old?
Hello Leonor,
Of course, at our center a team of professionals can evaluate your case and determine the best treatment.
You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings.
Good afternoon, I had surgery for a fracture in the third lumbar vertebra on December 6 and they put 8 nails in. To date I still have a lot of pain down my right leg. They recommended swimming as rehabilitation. Is practice good for that?
Hello, Marcelo,
Yes, swimming is an excellent practice for strengthening the spine.
Greetings
Good afternoon, I have a decreased space between L4 and L5, there is also a small herniated disc, they recommended swimming, I just don't know what style I could do, thank you very much
Hi Bruno,
Any style will be good for strengthening and stretching the spine.
Greetings
Hello, I have hernias from c1 to c5 and 2 more in the lumbar. I've been told it's good to swim. I do it with a tube so as not to move my neck since it makes me dizzy, I don't see that the croll works well for me either. So normally what I use the most are my legs and I help myself a little with my arms under the water, sometimes I stretch them and leave them without moving.
I am doing it right?
Thank you
Hi Bea,
We lack information to determine if swimming is applicable in your case. You should look at it with a rehabilitation expert to guide you.
Greetings
Hello, I have a herniated disc at L5-S1. The doctor recommended that I do swimming. I've been here for 1 year and 4 months and it has helped me a lot. Sometimes with slight pain. My question is whether I should do the butterfly style or not? I've been doing it occasionally but I don't know if I should keep doing it or stop. My thought is that perhaps the pain I sometimes have is caused by that style.
Hi David,
It is true that swimming is very good for spinal pain and injuries, although not always all styles.
We recommend consulting with a physiotherapist specialized in rehabilitation to indicate the best movements you can do to improve.
Greetings
Hello, I have been swimming for more than 10 years. I was recently diagnosed with small hernias in L4 L5 S1 through MRI and my question is whether when swimming crowl there is a risk of worsening the hernias if I do leg movements in free swimming, thank you very much.
Hi Nicolas,
It is true that swimming is very positive for strengthening the back but that a bad movement can worsen your diagnosis.
We would have to see their images and physical condition, age, other factors. We recommend that you seek advice from a physiotherapist specializing in swimming rehabilitation to indicate the best positions.
Greetings
Hello, I have been diagnosed with low back pain due to being hit by a bike. I have been in pain since July 29, 2024. I have been prescribed Nolotil combined with elantium since that day without improvement. It hurts when I walk.
Should I continue with the same treatment? I also like to go by bike to the swimming pools when it is sunny, which are about 20 minutes from my house. Is cycling harmful?
It doesn't hurt when I walk with it, just a little if there are bumps... I also like to sunbathe lying on the ground, is that harmful because the ground is hard? I usually put a pad on it...
And finally, I would like to know if swimming breaststroke is harmful to my lower back pain since I don't know how to swim any other way. It's a bit difficult for me but without significant pain. What hurts the most is when I walk.
How long does it take to cure low back pain?
That I have to rest and not go to the pool?
Why has the pain not gone away with Elantium and Nolotil since July 29? Is this normal?
Thank you
All the best
Hello Dolores,
We need more information to understand your clinical profile and be able to give you instructions and answers to your case.
You can make an appointment at +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Hello, I had a L1 fracture in March, I used a corset for 3 months, and I have already been discharged. What styles am I allowed to do to strengthen the muscles and which ones should I avoid? Regards
Hi Karina,
We recommend that you visit a physiotherapy centre specialising in rehabilitation so that, together with a professional, you can develop a plan based on your needs.
In our center we usually work https://rekoveryclinic.com/ You can contact them for more information.
Greetings.
Doctor, good evening, they did an MRI, and I have a protrusion in the L4-L-5 discs…. L3-L4….. L5-S1….. I have pain from the lumbar area to the right leg when I stand for a while….. When I lie down anywhere, be it in bed or an armchair, the pain automatically goes away.
Would it be nice to swim in the sea? Because I can swim very well.
I await your response, doctor.
Thanks in advance ☺️👍🤝
Hi George,
Thank you for sharing the details of your situation. Protrusion of the L4-L5, L3-L4, and L5-S1 discs can cause pain that radiates down the leg, especially when standing for long periods of time, which is common with these types of conditions.
As for swimming in the sea, generally speaking, swimming can be beneficial for your back, as it is a low-impact exercise that helps strengthen your muscles without putting extra stress on your spine. However, if you do not have proper swimming technique, we would not recommend swimming as it could put more strain on your lower back. In that case, we suggest you consider a personalised treatment with a physiotherapist who can help you improve your posture and technique.
In order to recommend the best treatment for you, we suggest you make an appointment with our spinal trauma specialists, who will be able to evaluate your case in more detail and offer you an appropriate approach for your recovery. You can schedule an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Hello, I have had 5 spinal operations, I have a herniated disc and I have been blocked for many years…
I'm making a pool
When I swim to the end of the water, I get a very strong, sharp pain that leaves me without strength and I can't breathe... and I have to get out... my question is... why? I'm from Uruguay, thank you very much.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are sorry that you are experiencing these episodes of pain. Given your history of spinal surgeries, it is important that a specialist evaluate your case to determine the cause of these discomforts. If you wish, you can schedule an online consultation with our team to receive a more detailed assessment. To coordinate, you can write to us at info@columna.com.
Greetings
Good afternoon. I'm 25 years old, and an MRI recently diagnosed me with a herniated C5-C6 cervical disc, extruded and in contact with the spinal cord. (I'm awaiting a checkup on the rest of my back, as the pain is spreading to more areas, even more than the location of the injury itself.) There are also days when the pain radiates to my left or right arm (I was told it was this contact that caused the hernia).
Several traumatologists recommended swimming to me, but they didn't specify anything else (styles, what's bad, what's good...)
I want to start, but I'm afraid because I don't swim very well (only breaststroke), and I'm also afraid of hurting myself more and being in even more pain. I mean, I don't know if it's time for when your back is "healed" (surgery, injury corrected) or if I can start right away.
Could you help me? Thanks in advance.
Hello Adriana,
Thank you for sharing your case. We completely understand your concerns, and it's important that you exercise caution before starting any physical activity, especially in a situation like yours.
Swimming can be very beneficial, but not all styles are suitable for all people or at all stages of the process. In your case, it's best to first undergo an individual evaluation by a physiotherapist specializing in spine therapy. They can then tell you which movements are allowed, how to strengthen your muscles safely, and whether you can begin water exercises tailored to your level.
It's also essential to observe how your body responds to each activity and avoid those that increase pain or cause radiating pain. It's not necessary to wait until surgery to begin active treatment, but it is essential to do so under professional supervision.
Greetings.