Even with months to go until the official start of the season, here in the Sunshine State, summer has arrived well ahead of schedule. The outset of sweltering temperatures and seasonal humidity here in Jacksonville, Florida, is all too familiar and likely will have many “true Floridians” giving up their outdoor exercise routines for the icy comfort of air conditioning. Rather than vowing to hide from the elements, now is the perfect time to try out a full-body workout that keeps you cool and comfortable – swimming.
That’s right, while often considered an activity reserved for kids or Olympians, swimming (even when done poorly) is a highly effective form of exercise that offers numerous therapeutic benefits for nearly everyone – especially individuals with chronic pain. So, take the plunge and keep reading to learn why swimming might be your new favorite therapeutic exercise to ward off summertime blues.
“I start almost every day swimming laps. About 1000 yards per day. It’s an incredible workout and deeply therapeutic for me.” – Dr. Roderick T. Beaman
Swimming to Improve Mental and Physical Health
Swimming is the ultimate multi-tasking exercise. It’s a full-body workout that simultaneously strengthens your muscles, improves your cardiovascular health, and provides a refreshing escape from the stress of everyday life. Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the feeling of weightlessness that comes with gliding through the water like a majestic sea creature?
A key advantage of swimming is that it’s a whole-body workout and promotes weight loss. Swimming engages all of your major muscle groups, including your arms, legs, core, and back. This can help strengthen muscles and improve overall body strength, which can be especially important for individuals with chronic pain who may be experiencing muscle weakness or atrophy. This is in addition to it being effective at improving one’s cardiovascular health. Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it can help increase heart rate and improve circulation, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
Beyond the physical benefits, swimming also offers numerous psychological benefits for many individuals. A good swim can be a relaxing and meditative experience, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. This anxiety-reducing effect typically improves mood and self-esteem, promoting relaxation and enhancing cognitive function. Moreover, swimming can be a social activity, allowing individuals to connect with others and build a sense of community. This can be especially important for individuals with chronic pain experiencing social isolation.
Benefits of Swimming for Chronic Pain
Swimming offers numerous therapeutic benefits for individuals with chronic pain. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, back pain, or any other chronic pain condition, swimming can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.
One of the primary benefits of swimming for individuals with chronic pain is that it’s a low-impact form of exercise. Unlike running or weightlifting, swimming doesn’t put as much stress on your joints, which can be a significant advantage for people with arthritis or other joint-related conditions.
When you’re in the water, your body is partially supported by buoyancy, which can help reduce pressure on your joints and make it easier to move without pain. Additionally, the resistance of the water can provide a low-impact way to build strength and improve mobility. In fact, swimming can help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to move without experiencing pain or discomfort.
While swimming can offer numerous benefits for individuals with chronic pain, it’s important to approach swimming with caution and care. If you’re new to swimming or haven’t swam in a while, it’s a good idea to start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and duration over time – and always with the supervision of your doctor. Additionally, it’s essential to work with a qualified swimming instructor who can help you develop a safe and effective swimming routine that’s tailored to your individual needs and abilities.
Dive in with Our Pain Care Experts
At Omega Health & Wellness, we partner with our patients to help them reach their health goals and feel better. Our health and wellness team is currently accepting new patients and is standing by to assist you with medically-proven therapeutic treatment programs to help you reach your wellness goals. Best of all, when walking through our doors, you can expect friendly, knowledgeable and compassionate care, plus dependable access to your doctor. Request an appointment today or call us at 904-724-5767.
