What does hydrostatic pressure refer to in aquatic therapy?

Hydrostatic pressure in aquatic therapy specifically refers to the equal force exerted by water on body parts that are submerged. This pressure is caused by the weight of the water above a given point and acts uniformly in all directions. It provides a supportive environment that can aid in rehabilitation, improve circulation, and reduce the effects of gravity on the body.

As individuals are submerged in water, they experience a reduction in the effects of gravitational forces, allowing for easier movement and potentially decreasing joint stress during therapeutic activities. This characteristic of hydrostatic pressure can also enhance proprioception and create a therapeutic effect that supports recovery and enhances strength while minimizing the risk of injury.

Other concepts like temperature, buoyancy, or currents, while related to aquatic therapy and important in their own right, do not define hydrostatic pressure and its specific impact on the body during therapy sessions.