Aqua therapy is a form of physical therapy that is performed in water, using the resistance of the water rather than weights. Aqua therapy is usually employed to help the healing process of joint or muscle problems, which are common in athletes. The buoyancy or non-weight bearing element of aqua therapy means that movement and muscle development can be accomplished with a greater degree of comfort on the joints.

For athletes, the aim of aqua therapy is to return the injured joints or muscles back to regular function without placing the amount of weight or pressure on them that would be outside of the water. For this reason aqua therapy can also be of benefit to older people suffering from painful joints or anyone with similar conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism or varicose veins.

Exercises in aqua therapy can be done using just the body or specialist equipment can used such as surgical tubing, flotation devices and resistance devices. Exercises should be tailored to each individual depending on their conditions and abilities but there are some basic exercise that can benefit most people.

• Wall facing stretch exercise – This involves resting your hands on the side of pool and stretching your body and legs out behind you like Superman. Your body and legs will be supported by the water and will stretch all regions of the back and shoulder muscles.
• Pool walking – Walking forward in backward in chest-high water works the leg muscles without exerting the knees or hips. This can be made more challenging with hand floats or light weights.
• Leg raise – This movement is performed by standing on one leg, slightly bent, while raising the other leg in to an outstretched position and holding the edge of the pool for balance. This strengthens the muscles in the leg, hip and lower back.

These aqua therapy exercises can be beneficial and relaxing to anyone, but are normally carried out with a practitioner in a pool especially designed for aqua therapy which is usually heated to add to the relaxing experience.