Aquatherapy for Pain

By Jeananne Thursday, February 14, 2008

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My spine specialist recently RX'd me 4 weeks of aquatherapy. I have Fibromyalgia, thoracic back pain due to accident injury and neuropathy pain. What don't I have, right? I haven't had the therapy yet, as I am waiting to see if my insurance will OK . I have BCBS and it is not the kindest of insurance companies. Drug co-pays increase every year, and I take sooooo many maintenance drugs. I told my Spine specialist that the time that my body feels the most pain free is when I am in a hot tub. It helps my Raynauds as well. We have a wonderful physical therapy facility nearby that offers aquatherapy if my insurance pans out. I have lost so much muscle tone in arms and legs due to inability to walk and exercise as I used to, pre accident. I just wondered if any of you had tried it, and with any benefit. I am also concerned as to whether the water temp will be warm enough, as I have my water super hot at home. The PT I talked to said the Arthritis foundation has a standard water temp that they go by. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Let me know!

Jean

Comments (9) | Add comment

cherie

2/14/08 6:53pm

Dear Jean , I know what you mean with all the aliments! i have had water therapy in the past , it is wonderful!!!! IF the water temp is right, my husband put a solar heater on my pool so i could use it more time of the year i get it between 88 to 92 degrees i can handle that with my fibro, it really helps to tone up your muscles and exercise without hurting so bad afterwards, we moved 1 1/2 yrs ago, i had a therapy center by me then but they didnt keep the water temp high enough, then i went to my timeshare over the cooler months and the winter time they kept it at 92 degrees so i could do the water therapy for an hour and then jump in the hot tub it was sooo good, right now i dont have my pool enclosed, so i cant use it during the winter, but i can use it from may to November when in use and i love it , it helps to keep me going and feeling alot better than in this time of the yr, i hope they have it hot enough for you you will enjoy it, i sure do miss it especially for my back , i use my jaccuzzi in the winter, hope all goes well for you with it, Cherie

Helencal

2/19/08 2:59pm

Yes, water therapy is great at the right temperature. Our YMCA here in Hawaii keeps a warmer temp and the ocean only gets hot enough in late summer.

But the engineered water exercises are important...just not repetitive swimming, especially the Australian Crawl ("freestyle") or backstroke. Your overall health and body will thank you for it!

Aloha,

Helencal

Jeananne

2/21/08 12:12pm

Dear Helencal, Thank-you for your positive input regarding the aquatherapy treatment. I am pretty sure my insurance is going to cover the 4 weeks of therapy. You are correct about engineered exercises. I have been unable to move freely for so long, I wouldn't know how to start, and especially in water. I want the 4 weeks to be productive. We have a Best Western in our town that has a nice heated pool and jacuzzi. They offer memberships, and after I am trained in the aquatherapy technique, I can continue there. I hope however, it is affordable, as it has become quite expensive trying to stay on top all involved in the management of a chronic pain problem. My prescriptions alone, even with insurance, are a good bit. I will let you know how I progress when I get an appt. Jean

Carol

2/22/08 1:02pm

I've read the replies to the original post. I don't understand why water therapy made things worse for me. I haven't actually gone to "therapy," but my husband and I purchased a Hot Tub several years ago at the suggestion of my Rheumatologist. We were actually able to claim some under medical expenses on Income Tax. I have Fibro. and a couple of Drs. have said I have RSD but I'm not convinced I do. I've had a frozen shoulder for years due to a "mis-hap" following Botox injections which not only paralyzed the shoulder muscles but caused 3/4ths of my throat to be "paralyzed" and I ended up in ER,- respiratory arrest, and having a PEG tube for 4 months as I couldn't swallow,- but I guess that's another topic. Anyway, the Hot Tub only made me "weaker." It felt fairly good when I was in it, but after, - oh boy, - it just knocked me for a loop and I'd often be in bed for 2-3 days. I'm sure this is an unusual occurence, and I wish you much luck with the aquatherapy!

Carol

KiwiKan

2/22/08 3:01pm

Jeananne ~ Water therapy IS the best! Unfortunately, it is very unlikely BCBS will approve it, even with the RX. In spite of that I suggest you do it. Also, since your doc has prescribed this course of treatment you should be able to include it in medical expense deduction on your tax. I don't have coverage, but the benefit of the water therapy far outways the cost. I have very limited income, but this therapy is well worth the expense. With the water therapy, in addition to the physical improvement, I truly benefit from the mental part of being relatively pain free - even for a short time.

Yes, the water temp is important and most therapy pools adhere to what's recommended by the Arthritis folks.

O Baby 8

2/26/08 3:19am

I had an accident that left me with L-3 to S-l surgery that failed. I had to beg for PT after 6 months and have tried PT several lengthy times to no help. I even joined a gym that didn't doo much either. However, I did aquatetics twice and that seemed to help. I asked for a 3rd time, I am trying to aleviate a second surgery! I do also want a hot tub!

Here's to the precious gift of hot water!

O Baby 8

Jeananne

2/26/08 10:57am

Amen to that! I told my doctor and anyone else that will listen

about how hot water is my salvation. The only time I feel close to being pain free is when I am as submerged as I can be in my tub. My tub, mind you, is smaller than the norm. Good thing I weigh 105, or it may not be as much of a relief. The only problem is getting out! My knees are getting more painful and weak as time goes on. That is why I am putting a great deal of hope in this AT. I am NOT looking forward to showing my pearly white legs and arms with wasted muscle, however to God and everybody! Ha! I used to be a diligent exerciser and was in better shape in my 40's than ever in my life, had great muscle tone in legs, arms and even some iddy biddy abs for a women with three kids in their 20's. Gone are my daily crunches, but I am determined to get back to some form of muscle toning and strengthing program. I have expressed my concern about the water temp, and most have assured me that have responded to this post that it was a factor for them also. It makes the difference between sweet relief and hand me a towel and get me the crap out of here! Best of luck with your pain issues. J.

O Baby 8

2/27/08 6:50pm

Can anyone get a deductable for this expensive but necessary bit of relief with the good ol' uncle sam!

I use the tub as a last resort after 'making love to my heating pad as my husband says! I want one so badly!

O Baby 100+ today!

Jeananne

2/28/08 12:08pm

My perfect dream is health, contentment and just a little more money than what I "need" for some fun stuff. But my alternative perfect dream is an all over heating pad suit, complete with gloves......not attractive, or user friendly, but can you imagine the comfort buzz you would get? OK, I know it sounds like I'm one step away from making a "Pain Gone Wild" video. Using quotations twice in one post is not a good sign.

Aquatherapy for Pain

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