Pool exercises, sometimes called aquatherapy, can be very helpful. You know that pressure in your ears when you swim down to the bottom of a pool? That same water pressure compresses the blood vessels in your legs, which helps more blood return to your heart, which minimizes the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Some patients who have a very hard time exercising on dry land can exercise for over an hour in a pool.
Take special precautions, use a facility with a lifeguard or work with a physical therapist if you are prone to fainting. You may want to avoid very warm heated pools, as this could cause your blood vessels to dilate, which can worsen lightheadness. Check with your doctor before you begin any new exercise program and go at your own pace.
Why do some dysautonomia patients feel better in the pool?
Doctors often recommend that dysautonomia patients wear medical compression stockings of 20-30 mmHg strength to counter act the blood pooling many patients experience when they stand up. If you are standing in 4 ft deep pool, the pressure on your toes is equivalent to wearing 90mmHg compression stockings. Pools are like giant compression stockings!
This chart shows the amount of compression based on water depth.
