Using an Endless Pool for physical therapy after having bypass surgery
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In several ways, Grant Dixon’s use of his
Endless Pool, installed last spring, epitomizes its
advantages over conventional standing pools and non-aquatic
forms of physical therapy.
Grant, 83, uses the pool to lower and control
blood glucose levels as part of his treatment
for diabetes. His exercise regimen, which consists
primarily of walking against the current, also enhances
circulation and boosts stamina as part of Grant’s
recovery from bypass surgery.
Of course, the benefits of exercise in promoting
cardiopulmonary health have been widely accepted for
decades; but the effectiveness of exercise in preventing
and managing diabetes is the subject of a much more
recent wave of research. And the Endless Pool is ideal
for implementing such an exercise program. For one
thing, because users can easily vary both the time
of their workout and the strength of the resistance
from the Endless Pool propulsion system, it is relatively
easy to overcome one of the obstacles –getting
started– commonly cited by physical therapists
as especially prevalent in exercise neophytes. For
another, the buoyancy of the water provides a natural
solution to any problems in gait and balance that
might exist on land; and the absence of injuries caused
by impact with rigid surfaces encourages ongoing adherence
to the program.
Then, too, Grant’s workouts, which
last from 20 to 45 minutes in water maintained at
80 to 84 degrees, need never be postponed because
of inclement weather or other factors beyond
his control. That’s important because he and
his wife, who also swims regularly in the pool, live
in Eastern Oregon – beautiful country, but not
known for its preponderance of gymnasiums or swimming
pools.
The Dixons converted a portion of an existing solarium
to house their Endless Pool and, like many owners
in temperate climates, they find that the winter is
among their favorite seasons for using it.
“When there’s snow on the ground,”
confirms Grant, “it’s especially pleasurable
to use. In fact, I look forward to using it more.”
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