Water Exercises for Lipedema
Lipedema is a condition that is characterized by abnormal fat distribution in various parts of the body. Even though conventional therapies have their place, a growing number of people are finding relief with alternative therapies like aqua therapy. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz treats lipedema at his Dallas practice with staged surgeries for lipedema. While aerobic exercise doesn’t treat lipedema, it can help manage symptoms, including pain and discomfort.
What is aquatherapy?
Aquatic therapy involves exercises done in the water in order to promote physical well-being and assist in rehabilitation. This is because of the water’s buoyancy. Water’s buoyancy lessens the force on joints, making it the perfect activity for people who have lipedema.
Benefits of Aquatherapy for Lipedema
- Less Pain and Discomfort: The soft resistance of water creates a comforting atmosphere that helps reduce lipedema pain. Patients frequently report feeling less uncomfortable both during and after their aqua therapy sessions.
- Increased Flexibility and Mobility: Patients can move more freely and have a wider range of motion because of the buoyancy of water. For those with lipedema, this is essential since swelling and tightness can restrict movement.
- Improved Circulation: This can help control lipedema symptoms. Enhanced blood flow mitigates edema and advances general well-being.
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Stress and anxiety can be considerably reduced due to the calming qualities of water. Sessions of water therapy are frequently perceived by patients as a calming haven that enhances their emotional health.
What is the best water exercise for lipedema?
- Water Walking: Water walking involves walking through the water at waist or chest level. Swing your arms naturally, pushing against the resistance of the water as you move. This exercise promotes circulation, increases lower-body strength, and is easy on the joints. The inherent resistance of water helps tone muscles without putting too much strain on the body.
- Aqua jogging: Aqua jogging is running in place or jogging in the water without touching the bottom of the pool, usually in deeper water. You can use a flotation belt to provide support. This activity improves cardiovascular fitness, builds muscles, and burns fat effectively while decreasing joint stress.
- Leg lifts: Leg lifts are performed by standing in the pool and elevating one leg to the side or in front of you, keeping your core tight. Lower the leg carefully back down, then repeat with the opposite leg. This exercise strengthens and tones the leg muscles, resulting in improved stability and mobility in lipedema-prone areas.
- Water Cycling: Water cycling involves mimicking a cycling action with your legs while floating in deeper water. Use a pool noodle or flotation belt to provide support. This exercise builds leg muscles, improves circulation, and gives a light cardiovascular workout without placing strain on the joints.
- Aqua Aerobics: Aqua aerobics consists of structured, supervised workouts that are frequently conducted in group settings with an instructor. The movements in the water include walking, jogging, jumping, and dancing. This low-impact activity gives you a full-body workout while also improving your cardiovascular health, lymphatic flow, and muscular tone.
- Pool Squats: To perform pool squats, stand in chest-high water with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower yourself into a squat position with your back straight and your chest lifted, then rise back up. Pool squats strengthen the lower body, particularly the thighs, and are easier on the knees than land squats because the water provides support.
- Arm Circles: Make steady, controlled circles with your arms while submerged in water. You can reach out your arms to the sides or in front of you. This exercise strengthens arm muscles, improves upper-body circulation, and stimulates lymphatic drainage.
- Flutter Kicks: Flutter kicks are accomplished by holding onto the pool’s edge and floating horizontally in the water. Kick your legs up and down in a controlled fashion. This exercise strengthens the core and leg muscles, improves circulation, and increases muscle endurance.
- Water Treading: To tread water, move your arms in circular patterns and kick your legs. Aim for modest, controlled motions. Water treading is a full-body workout that boosts cardiovascular fitness and muscle mass without overworking the joints.
- Lateral Arm Raises: Stand in chest-deep water and perform lateral arm lifts. Hold your arms by your sides and lift them to the surface of the water before slowly lowering them. This exercise strengthens upper-body muscles and improves lymphatic drainage in the arms, which are frequently impacted by lipedema.
- Water Pilates or Yoga: Many pool-appropriate activities, such as modified leg stretches, balance postures, and mild stretches, are adapted to water Pilates or yoga. These exercises increase flexibility, core strength, and balance while also relieving stress and promoting lymphatic drainage.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Azouz
Dr. Azouz is a Dallas-based plastic surgeon who specializes in treating all stages of lipedema. He understands the value of treating patients holistically and works with his patients to develop individualized treatment regimens for his patients. His process always begins by doing a comprehensive examination to determine the unique requirements and expected outcomes of each patient. This involves assessing the degree of lipedema and related comorbidities. He suggests water therapy as a component of a thorough treatment plan based on the results of this evaluation. Call us directly at (972) 702-8888 or contact us online to learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Azouz today.
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