Water Heals: Why Aquatic Therapy Is Uniquely Effective for Recovery

There’s a kind of tired that goes deeper than muscle soreness. It’s the full-body kind — tight shoulders, buzzing nerves, a nervous system stuck in high alert. That’s why recovery isn’t always just about foam rolling or stretching. Sometimes we need to help your whole system feel safe enough to relax. And sometimes, the best way to do that is in warm water.

Weightless. Supported. Safe.

When you’re in warm water, everything shifts. Your body is supported. Gravity lets go. And your system—often stuck in “go-go-go” mode—finally has a chance to unwind.

In chest-deep water, your body only carries about 25% of its weight, which takes huge pressure off your joints, spine, and nervous system. Add the gentle pressure of water (called hydrostatic pressure) and you’re basically giving your whole system a hug from the inside out.

A 2020 review published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that aquatic therapy significantly helped people with chronic conditions by reducing pain and improving mental well-being — especially when paired with relaxation-focused approaches like floating and breath awareness (Torres-Ronda et al., 2020).

This Is Not a Workout

Unlike aquatic physical therapy or swimming, aquatic therapy is passive. You don’t have to do anything. You’re gently floated, moved, and guided — allowing your body to unwind, and your mind to slow down.

Some clients describe it as “being held by the water.” Others say it’s the first time in years they’ve felt calm and connected to their body at the same time.

Research supports this too: a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even passive water immersion — just floating in warm water — helped reduce muscle soreness and supported better recovery after exercise (Wilcock et al., 2006).

Nervous System Reset

So many people I work with don’t just need muscle recovery — they need nervous system recovery! Aquatic therapy offers this in a way that’s hard to access on land. The warmth, the rhythm, the breath... it all cues your body that you’re safe. And that’s when true healing starts.

Clients often report better sleep, less anxiety, reduced tension, and a deep sense of calm after their session. It’s a blend of physical and emotional release — and it’s unlike anything else.

Want to Try It?

If you’ve been feeling the need to slow down, recover, or just reconnect with your body in a different way, a session might be exactly what you need.

Aquatic therapy sessions take place in my warm outdoor pool here at Solara Studio in Ashland. They’re completely customized, one-on-one, and perfect for anyone looking for relief, recovery, or a nervous system reset — especially during the busy or high-stress seasons of life.

Ready to float? Reach out with questions, learn more on our Aquatic Therapy page or fill out this form to book a session. Your body will thank you.