Does anyone use hydrotherapy or swimming for recovery?

Sid · Apr 20, 2014

Just wondering if anyone uses hydrotherapy for recovery?
http://www.humankinetics.com/excerp...apy-used-to-enhance-recovery-from-competition
http://www.swimmingscience.net/2013/05/friday-interview-trevor-higgins.html

Also, this link suggests that swimming might be good on a recovery day.
http://breakingmuscle.com/swimming/swimming-may-be-the-best-method-of-recovery-for-all-athletes

I was wondering about all of this, because my morning exercise routine is a jog, followed by a trip to the gym to get a few laps in the pool to cool off, then a dip in the hot spa, followed by a cool shower. Since, I got back into running, I've noticed much less DOMS. So, I think that the routine has helped. In general, I haven't needed to massage my muscles. I also noticed much more soreness, when I can't do my hydro routine, when the pool/spa is undergoing maintenance. On those days, I'll draw up a hot bath at home.

Any thoughts?

happysongbird · Apr 20, 2014

I always do better if I swim some in between days I run. It seems to help loosen me up, but I don't do it the same day.

Regina Nacktpatte · Apr 21, 2014

After I broke my ankle, I first started swimming and aqua jogging, and I still find both to be good for my ankles mobility. Swimming has an added benefit : it teaches effective breathing.

scedastic · Apr 21, 2014

Nice routine!
I'm very glad I started swimming about a year ago. It does seem to loosen me up and gently work muscles all over. The other thing that's great about it is how you can vary the intensity or body areas worked depending on your needs.
However, I can never coordinate running/other workouts with swim, so I couldn't say for sure what it does for recovery or how many hours to wait, etc.
I just know that even when not feeling well, I can almost always get through a nice swim. When my legs or arms are tight (from running or weights, respectively), a nice easy swim seems to do it.
I'm too lazy to stretch or roll out my legs most of the time, so this is a nice compromise.

halfhazzard · Apr 22, 2014

I loved swimming, except for the scenery (the bottom of a pool) so I don't really do it anymore. When I was swimming, I definitely felt that it was a great workout. I always felt like it was a good way to work out aerobically without any impact on the joints, especially in between running days.

Abide · Apr 22, 2014

Hot tubs are the best recovery tool in my experience.

Mikkel · Apr 28, 2014

I do some tritathlon training and the variation of training really helps loosening up.

jldeleon · May 4, 2014

I did gentle swimming twice a week and series of resistance exercises, in the water, such as walking sideways, and hopping sideways on one foot, etc., in order to work the opposite muscles of my running muscles. I am no strong enough to do them out of water. Also, the upper body strength that swimming gives you, helps balance your upper and lower body, which makes running more effortless and relaxed, which helps reduce injury, and training soreness -like you pointed out- whenever you do it.