Underwater medical gymnastics as part of specialized physiotherapy is an extremely appropriate element of the rehabilitation of a number of neurological diseases, as well as in patients with spinal cord injuries. In this particular case, a heated pool and specially prescribed physical exercises in a water environment are required. In Bulgaria, there are extremely good conditions for practicing underwater gymnastics in a number of sanatoriums and medical facilities that have the necessary facilities. Considering the physiological, biomechanical, therapeutic and functional benefits of underwater gymnastics, as well as the rich experience of the rehabilitators, this type of exercise leads to very good results, which are part of the complex treatment of patients with spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, the base in Bulgaria is outdated, and serious investments and a desire for development are needed to renew it.
In patients with spinal cord injuries, treatment is multidisciplinary. When the physiotherapist or rehabilitator has the resource of the pool, through an adequately prescribed program of aquatic physiotherapy exercises, an improvement in the condition of the patients is observed.
A professional strategy is needed for specialized underwater physical exercises that stimulate brain plasticity and have therapeutic, functional and biomechanical benefits.
When prescribing underwater exercises for rehabilitation, the person’s state of health, motivation and current state of the disease are taken into account, as well as the type of pool, temperature and physical properties of the water. The specialized program includes a weekly plan, exercise intensity, speed, time of execution, body position, pool depth, load (with or without equipment and accessories) and type of exercise. The duration of the therapy in order to avoid overload and other important indicators such as safety, hygiene and an accessible pool environment equipped with specialized infrastructure are extremely important.
The physical therapist/rehabilitator must have the experience and the necessary knowledge to choose the correct therapeutic program. It is important to have a correct clinical approach and extensive practice in the treatment of patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries.
