Aquatic Therapy: A Dual Approach to Alleviating Back Pain and Enhancing Mental Health

A recent study conducted by researchers at Concordia University has revealed that aquatic therapy not only strengthens the muscles surrounding the spine but also significantly improves the mental health of individuals suffering from chronic low back pain. Published in the journal *Scientific Reports* on June 17, 2025, this research indicates that aquatic therapy can mitigate psychological factors typically associated with this debilitating condition.

The study involved a randomized controlled trial with two groups of 34 participants diagnosed with chronic low back pain. Participants were assigned to either an aquatic exercise program or a standard treatment regimen that included land-based exercises. Each group engaged in their respective programs twice a week for ten weeks under the supervision of certified athletic therapists. The findings demonstrate that those in the aquatic therapy group reported notable improvements in pain-related fear, anxiety, and sleep disturbances compared to their counterparts undergoing standard care.

Maryse Fortin, an associate professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Concordia University and the study’s corresponding author, emphasized that immersing patients in water alleviates stress on the spine, thereby fostering an immediate feeling of relief. Fortin noted, "This made aquatic therapy an interesting medium to study people who have pain-related fear like kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing."

The study's lead author, Brent Rosenstein, PhD, alongside co-authors Chanelle Montpetit, Nicolas Vaillancourt, Geoffrey Dover, Christina Weiss, Lee Ann Papula, and Antonys Melek, found that participants who underwent aquatic therapy experienced significant increases in the size of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles in the upper spine—crucial for spinal stabilization. However, no similar improvements were observed in the lower lumbar spine, an area known for its susceptibility to muscle degradation.

Both groups showed enhancements in lumbar strength, yet the aquatic therapy group notably reduced pain-related anxiety and fear, along with sleep disturbances. The clinical significance of these findings suggests that aquatic therapy could serve as an effective adjunct treatment for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, potentially leading to improved overall quality of life.

The study received financial support from the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé and the R. Howard Webster Foundation. The implications of this research extend beyond individual health, hinting at a potential paradigm shift in how chronic pain management is approached in clinical settings. As the healthcare industry increasingly recognizes the psychological dimensions of chronic pain, therapies like aquatic exercise may offer holistic solutions that address both physical and mental health aspects.

Future research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits of aquatic therapy and its applicability to other chronic pain conditions. It remains essential for healthcare providers to stay informed about emerging treatment modalities that can enhance patient outcomes and improve mental health alongside physical rehabilitation.