Question
QUESTION: I was sent to a swimming pool by a therapist to walk in water for 15 minutes, neck high then go to the deeper end and just hang by floaters/noodles for another 15 minutes. I did this and it felt very good, when I came out of the pool on steps not a ladder, it felt like I had 100 pounds strapped on me. It was extremely hard to exit. I tried this again the next day in case it was just a bad day for me. Same thing. He said this let him know I am not a candidate for traction.I would like to know if there is a sitting period before exiting the pool to prevent this or I should  pass on that therapy. I have lower back problems I will go into at a later time.
Thank you for your time, I have looked on the Internet for a  answer but have had no luck.

ANSWER: Hi B,

Unless you are very active, muscles that haven't been used for awhile will atrophy. I would suggest working the Quads and hip flexors as well as all the muscle groups prior to entering the pool. This is called "weekend worrier syndrome" and can cause significant soreness.

Best of luck!

Dr. Timothy Durnin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The reason I was sent to the pool was to see if I was a candidate for traction.walking in water for 15 minutes, then hanging off floaters for 15 minutes is not a major work out. I was not sore just weighted to the point I found it extremely hard to exit the pool. I do floor exercise several times a week so I don't feel atrophy is in the picture. What would cause the feeling of 100 pounds strapped on me when exiting the pool.Is there a time to sit on the steps before exiting to prevent the weighted feeling. Another Therapist said I was lucky I did not pass out.

Answer

DTS   Hi B,
A total vital work-up is in order to include BP, ankle arm index/ respiration/ HT/WT/age/ activity level/ blood chemistry/EEG/ stress test/MRI cervical/lumbar/ EM and MS screening. I would see a neurologist and get a full evaluation. Traction is not contraindicated no matter what the therapist said. To think that would be absurd.

Here is some info on flexion/distraction.


http://www.coxtechnic.com/


Good Luck!


Dr. Timothy Durnin