The underwater treadmill is beneficial for neurological and orthopedic problems, post-surgery recovery, soft tissue injuries, fracture repairs, contractures, arthritis, muscle spasms and weakness, overall fitness and weight loss. Exercising in the underwater treadmill has unique features which are very beneficial in therapy.
- Thermal effects: exercising in warm water increases joint flexibility, circulation to the muscles and decreases joint pain.
- Buoyancy: the upward thrust of the water causes a decrease in body weight allowing for more pain-free exercise and weight bearing while improving balance and coordination.
- Hydrostatic pressure: beneficial for edema or swollen joints and may decrease pain by providing constant stimuli to pain receptors, making them less sensitive.
- Cohesion and surface tension provide resistance which strengthens muscles and improves endurance and cardiovascular and respiratory fitness.