Benefits

There have been extensive studies done on the benefits of scuba or aquatic therapy
when dealing with a variety of health issues.

· Hydrostatic Pressure
Underwater you are exposed to a pressure gradient, because water is denser than air, it
exerts more pressure on you as you enter it. The water constantly adjusts to
accommodate your movements; it compresses your skin, muscles, and joints. This is
called hydrostatic pressure. This pressure forces the heart and lungs to work harder and
acts as a compression bandage for the entire body, relieving chronic pain, muscle
aches and soreness when a person is submerged. Many studies show that those who
dive regularly are less prone to strokes and heart attacks. Hydrostatic pressure
supports and stabilizes people in water and helps improve balance without a fear of
falling.

· Breathing
The hydrostatic pressure of water helps to strengthen the diaphragm and improve
musculature of the chest wall. You have a tendency to breathe deeper and slower while
in water whether above or below the water, this helps to reduce the heart rate and
promote calm and relaxation.
· Gaining Strength and Flexibility
As you move through the water muscles tend to work harder than they would if you
were outside the water because of resistance. Flexibility in the water is easy because
of the lack of gravity and strength training can be easy in water because of the increase
in resistance as you increase speed. Scuba diving and swimming through the water
strengthens your core to help with all aspects of life. Aquatic exercise works more
muscle groups than normal exercise and is good for neuro rehabilitation because it
slows your movements causing you to think and focus on what you are doing.

· Low Risk of Injury
Exercising in the water decreases your risk of injury from falls or equipment. Aquatic
exercise does not put stress on your bones or joints because of buoyancy but provides
resistance for building your muscles. Buoyancy pushes up against your body causing
you to rise in the water and relieving pressure from your spine and joints, relieving pain
and helping increase joint fluid and reduce risk of injury. Aquatic exercise prevents
accidental injury from overtraining, reducing the level of stress on muscles, cartilage, or
connective tissue.

· Health
Seawater is particularly beneficial to the skin, increasing its elasticity and improving its
outer appearance. Transplant patients are encouraged to spend time in the ocean, but
are cautioned against getting in a fresh water body of water.
· Helps to Relieve Stress
Breathing techniques used under water are similar to those used while meditating; they
help to calm and focus the individual on the task at hand, focusing your mind in the
water to keep your balance and buoyancy. Swimming causes your brain to improve its
concentration and awareness. It helps your brain to forget about everything else and
enables our body and central nervous system to rest and restore its natural balance.
Studies have shown that having a focused and relaxed mind promotes a positive mental
attitude and good mental health. Scientists believe that if we are able to observe bright
and intense colors that can be found in marine life it can make a positive difference in
our mental health.

· Feeling of Freedom
The nervous system has a network of nerve endings in the skin and muscles that respond to
stimulus but in water the constant stimulus from water pressure dulls the reticular system. This
helps to dull pain and make it easier to move and stretch throughout full range of motion. People
who have suffered from amputations or who experience phantom limb pain tend to do better in
water than on land. This allows the body to move freely and be able to do more than they would
on land.

Information from the following studies:
Alice Morgan, Harriet Sinclair, Alexander Tan, Ellen Thomas & Richard
Castle(2018): Can scuba diving offer therapeutic benefit to military veterans
experiencing physical and psychological injuries as a result of combat? A service
evaluation of Deptherapy UK, Disability and Rehabilitation
article: Sally F. Gregory & Kay Dimmock (2019) Alive and kicking: the benefits of
scuba diving leisure for older Australian women, Annals of Leisure Research,
22:4, 550-574