How does water therapy primarily benefit individuals with mobility issues?

Water therapy primarily benefits individuals with mobility issues by reducing strain on joints while providing resistance. The buoyancy of water supports the body, which decreases the impact on joints and helps alleviate discomfort during movement. This makes physical activity more accessible and less painful for those with mobility limitations. Additionally, the properties of water provide natural resistance, allowing individuals to engage in strength-building exercises without the need for heavy weights or high-impact activities.

In contrast, options like intensive high-impact training would not be suitable for someone with mobility issues as they could exacerbate injuries rather than aid recovery or mobility. Similarly, while increasing muscle strength is a goal of water therapy, the emphasis in this context is on joint protection and supportive resistance. Finally, limiting the range of movement to prevent injury is not aligned with the objective of water therapy, which aims to enhance mobility and improve overall function through gentle movement rather than restriction.