The benefits of combining water and land-based therapy

As the general population ages and lives longer with chronic disease and related disability, an increasing number of individuals may be precluded from participating and excelling in traditional land-based therapy or exercise alone, despite its known benefits. This article discusses the benefits of water as an exercise and therapeutic medium, as well as the value of combining both water and land modalities, which enhance the benefits of exercise synergistically. This combined water and land approach has the potential to help clients achieve greater therapeutic benefits and clinical outcomes. As an example, described in this article are the rationale and basic framework for one treatment paradigm supported by research literature, the Burdenko Method, which has utilized combined exercise in water and on land for over four decades. These perspectives will hopefully foster increased understanding and application of exercise principles and programs outside of traditional land-based approaches.