Here’s how swimming can help MSK symptoms
It’s one of our favourite joint-friendly activities!
What are MSK conditions?
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions typically affect our joints, bones, muscles, and tissues such as our nerves.
They have a huge impact on people, with over a third of the UK population having an MSK condition such as arthritis or back, neck and shoulder pain.
Symptoms commonly include pain, limited movement, stiffness, and disability, all of which can compromise a person’s quality of life and their day-to-day independence. This is why taking steps to look after MSK health is so important.
Why is swimming great for MSK conditions?
When dealing with joint, bone or muscle pain, it’s natural to worry that exercise might make things worse. But the truth is, staying active is one of the best ways to keep joints and muscles healthy.
Too much inactivity can actually weaken muscles over time, so staying active is one of the best ways of keeping muscles and joints healthy. So, it’s no wonder that water-based activities like swimming are often recommended for MSK conditions because they’re low-impact and highly supportive. Here’s why:
- Buoyancy: Water supports the body’s weight, easing strain on painful joints and muscles while keeping the whole body active.
- Resistance: The natural resistance of water helps strengthen muscles without overloading them. Even walking in the pool requires more effort than on land, giving your muscles a gentle workout.
- Range of motion: Swimming allows joints to move through their full range in a way that might be challenging on land, making it easier to adapt movements.
Getting started in the water
If you’re new to swimming or haven’t been in the water for a while, it’s a good idea to check in with a GP or physiotherapist. They can help you create a safe and manageable plan to build up your activity.
Our Just Swim sessions are a great place to start. Do as the name suggests – just swim! These sessions are ideal for swimming at your own pace without lanes, taking your time in the water, and having a chat with other swimmers.
In addition to swimming, many of our centres offer water-based group workout classes too, such as AquaFit. Group workout classes, in or out of the pool, are a great way to exercise, stay motivated, and find a whole new community.
Never learned to swim? We've got you covered
If you didn’t have the opportunity to learn how to swim, our adult swimming lessons are also here to help. These lessons will guide you through your first experiences in the water, helping you build confidence in the pool and learn fundamental swimming skills! Even if you’ve been out of the water for a while and just need a confidence boost, we have lessons tailored for you.
View our swimming lessons
Ready to get jump in?
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Sources: Musculoskeletal health (NHS) | Musculoskeletal conditions and swimming (Swim England) | Swim England and Versus Arthritis team up to develop new fact sheet on swimming (Swim England)