Out of all the ways there are to injure your back, there are almost an equal number of ways to help cure it. While pulled muscles can be dealt with through stretching or walking, out of whack backs can be helped through massage and back adjustments. And so on. There are simply hundreds of ways to both injure the back and to work toward a viable treatment after the fact. Thanks to the complexity of the human body, there are so many ways to work toward better health, even if the injury is an ongoing one. Just by following specific trends and monitoring how pain reacts after specific movements, you can work toward a better back routine.

One such way to work toward treatment is through swimming. Though it’s a little-used cure, swimming is actually a great way to provide low-impact movements that gently help muscles work their way back up to full strength. Swimming also takes away much of the gravity and weight that’s associated with normal exercising. By being in water, one can essentially float their way toward better back health. And all while getting in as much or as little exercise as they prefer. Those who are looking for something strenuous can swim multiple laps, while those who have a severe injury or are looking for gentle healing can simply stretch or glide their way through the water.

With its versatility and ease of treatment, back injuries of all types can be cured with a regular swimming routine. Gyms and medical centers will even offer a specialist to help you find the best treatment for your back. Talk with your doctor or work with an expert to create a routine that’s best for your movements and specific back aches and pains.

Why Swimming?

For many, the thought of swimming might bring back childhood memories. One where you set out to have fun and get a tan, not help cure a back or muscle injury. However, because swimming is a very low-impact sport (assuming you keep it that way), it can easily be done to any patient’s level of health. Swim harder for a more in-depth workout, or keep it light for gentle stretching and improvement. The water also hosts much of your weight, eliminating outside pressure or impact that comes from on-land exercises.

Swimming Tips for Muscle Health

Obviously, the mobility and amount of movements you’re able to perform is dependent on your personal health. Those with more severe injuries will be limited to what swimming strokes they can do, while others simply might not be comfortable in deep water. Whatever the situation, however, there are plenty of outside options for finding your way through the pool. Look into water aerobics classes or other movements that can be done in shallow waters to help build strength. Certain swimming strokes can also be performed in shallower water to get the same treatment options, but with the ability for frequent stops. (Whether for resting muscles or otherwise.)

It’s also a good idea to stick to a regular swimming routine. Overdoing it can increase the injury (without even knowing it, as swimming is so low-impact), and creating a set schedule can ensure you are properly keeping track of when and where your muscles are working their hardest. Talk to your doctor or trainer about when and how long you should focus on swimming, then be sure and keep track of how your muscles feel before and after each session.

Stretching and drinking plenty of water will also help loosen these areas and add to the healing process.

To loosen up your back while providing a healthy workout, consider swimming your way to better muscle health.