Using the LiquidTrainer® to Rehab Injuries

by | Aug 3, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Many years of thoughtful design has developed the LiquidTrainer® into a versatile physical movement tool that blends art and science for your best mind-body health. Its customizable weight means you can choose the level of challenge that’s right for you, while still keeping the entire mechanism lightweight. The motions required in order to send the water from one end to the other have been created to help you flow from one position to another with as much or as little effort and umph as you need. Its gentle approach means that in addition to providing a great cardiovascular, toning, strengthening and lengthening workout, the LiquidTrainer® can also provide a great opportunity to rehabilitate from injuries. Of course, you should always consult a physician before using the LiquidTrainer® to rehab an injury.  

The LiquidTrainer® and Vestibular Compensation

The vestibular system is our sensory system, responsible for cueing the brain about motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It keeps us upright, maintains our balance, allows us to stabilize our head during movement, and is heavily involved with motor functions. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and information is sent from there to the cerebellum and nuclei in the brainstem. At that point, signals are fired off to multiple points in the body, ranging from the muscles in the eye to the cerebral cortex. The proper functioning of the vestibular system makes coordinated movement possible and vestibular injury can cause the experience of vertigo, loss of balance, and nausea. These effects can range from mild to incapacitating.

When an injury to the vestibular system occurs, it is imperative to see a doctor. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan developed by a qualified physician is critical in allowing the vestibular system to compensate for the damage. As the system will never heal from injury, it will work with the brain to fine tune signals and provide compensation. Once the period of motion sickness has been addressed (whether by reinterpreted signals or medication), continued movement is important to further hone the compensation. This is where the LiquidTrainer® can help. 

Once cleared by a doctor to resume normal activity, a person recovering from a vestibular injury can pick up the LiquidTrainer® and work to further improve balance and range of motion that may have been limited immediately following the injury. The workouts are customizable and offer a gentle exploration of movement with various levels to difficulty. Following the water from one end to the other helps strengthen hand-eye coordination and the feeling of connectedness from ground reaction force will increase proprioceptive awareness. Even where there was no injury to the vestibular system, these improvements will help anyone with balance and coordinated movement. 

The LiquidTrainer® and Shoulder & Pectoral Rehabilitation

A shoulder or pectoral injury can be very painful and affect a surprising amount of daily activities. Simply reaching for something on the top shelf or lifting a small object can become excruciating. The good news is that we know a lot about these mechanisms and we know that rehabilitation is possible. Some people may even be able to avoid reparation surgery by sticking to a plan for rehab. The keys to rehabilitating an injury like these are strengthening and stretching. And guess what? The LiquidTrainer® can offer a unique and effective way to do both. The gentle and calming motions within the Eight Fundamental Movements provide a solid foundation for increasing range of motion at your own pace. You will be able to raise your shoulders to just the height that is comfortable while working to strengthen the muscles surrounding your injury. And a few minutes of stretching before and after your LiquidTrainer® session will aid your recovery as well. 

The LiquidTrainer® and Your Hip Flexors

If you have ever injured your hip flexor, you are well aware of the pain and discomfort, as well as the disruption in movement, that can occur. The sharp, acute pain with each step is enough to drive someone crazy! Well, pick up your LiquidTrainer® and ease into some strengthening and stretching to recover. Gentle lunging motions with correct foot positioning can work wonders for hip flexors. You can tailor your workout to move only to the point of comfort while still gaining strength where you need it. And because this is a customizable, full body workout, you can continue to get what you need for your upper body while simultaneously taking it easy on your lower body. As mentioned above, stretching before and after your workout is imperative to rehabbing an injury. 

The LiquidTrainer® and Range of Motion

The wonderful thing about the LiquidTrainer® and our Flo Dynamic Movement System™ is that the program is suited very well for improving range of motion of your entire body. We incorporate gentle twisting that can be as little or a big as you can currently manage, then you can work to deepen that movement. Same with the shoulder girdle – the movements offer small rotations that can be gradually modified into large rotations. The continuous weight shifting from side to side and front to back builds strength in your legs and you’ll soon find that you can lunge and squat deeper. All of this is accomplished through smooth and calm movements, as if you’re easing into a stronger and better functioning musculature. Of course, you can increase your intensity at any time and still reap the same benefits. 

Sustaining an injury that impedes your athleticism, or even just your daily movements, can be a frustrating experience that puts you on a road to rehabilitation and recovery. Doctors and physical therapists will be the experts who develop a plan for regaining your pre-injury mobility, but consider adding the LiquidTrainer® to your arsenal of rehab tools. It is a uniquely versatile piece of equipment that offers a strong workout based on years of development inspired by dance, martial arts, and athletic endeavors. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!