Hydrogymnastics can be performed by anyone, including youths (children, teenagers, young adults), middle-aged people, the elderly, athletes and those with disabilities.
[4] However, hydrogymnastics (in a form less modern than today) began in the year 460 BC in Ancient Greece, where it simply involved a person transitioning between hot and cold water in order to treat diseases, muscle aches and pains and bring high fever temperatures down.
[5] This form of treatment continued over the years, but in the 6th century people's fear of water meant hydrogymnastics was not performed as often, and as a result bathing in general also declined.
Today hydrogymnastics helps people of all ages and genders, including those with disabilities, to improve their balance, strength, endurance and movement.
[7] The severity of the injury will also determine whether the participants are assisted by the therapist,[7] whether they use specific equipment and/or a form of resistance, how long they spend in the water, and the intensity of the activity.
The therapist is located at the participants head, side or feet and hence is able to effectively perform movement (e.g. swaying, rocking, rolling, etc.).
There are many benefits associated with BRRM; these include spinal alignment and elongation, stability, better range of joint motion, and ability to activate pre-weight bearing.
[5] People who would benefit from the Bad Ragaz Ring Method include those who suffer from pain while moving (e.g. walking, lifting, etc.
[citation needed] In order for Watsu to work, the therapist should be situated at the centre of the participant's back, not so low that they are near their lumbar spine and not so high that they are near their cervical vertebrae.
To perform Ai Chi, the participant stands with their feet shoulder-width apart with their knees slightly bent[5] (to prevent strain on their lower back).
The benefits of Ai Chi include: better flexibility and balance, improved range of motion and mobility, increased blood circulation, and higher energy levels.
In hydrogymnastics, the deeper a person is immersed in water, the less body weight they are carrying,[6] with this resulting in less pressure on one's joints, ligaments, bones and muscles; better flexibility; and increased range of motion.
[citation needed] When elderly people participate in hydrogymnastics, they gain the ability to move their body freely without the fear or risk of severely injuring themselves.
[15] Doing hydrogymnastics in a group or with other participants also improves their socialisation skills, as interacting with others encourages them to engage with people belonging to their environment, a key characteristic necessary for individuals to function within society.
If they are recovering from an injury or going through their recovery, building back their strength and endurance in water is a very effective method and can potentially result in their returning to their land-based sport more speedily.
[17] There are not many health risks associated with hydrogymnastics; however, it is important for therapists and participants to take precautions in order to prevent injuries or internal damage, regardless of age or ability level.
These precautions include: being aware of potential ear infections (considering hydrogymnastics is performed in water) and understanding that overuse can cause muscle strains, aches, cramps, soreness, and even tears.