Page 407 - Total War on PTSD

therapy in the water. According to the Disabled Sports USA, swimming not only improves flexibility within the joints and muscles, but strengthens the cardiovascular system as well as the major muscle groups in the upper and lower body.[2] Finally, because the heart works harder when the body is submerged, swimmers benefit from decreased swelling, reduced blood pressure and improved joint position. This in turn improves the swimmers’ proprioception, or body awareness.
Additionally, swimming boosts the blood flow to the brain. One 2014 study found that blood flow to the cerebral arteries increased between 9-14% depending on their location in the brain.[3] The benefits of increased blood flow to the brain are improved mood, better concentration and focus, and overall increased cognitive function. For Veterans suffering from combat wounds, reprogramming bodily awareness and creating positive physiological change in the brain can be a life-changing experience.
Social/psychological benefits of swimming: Because PTSD is a stress-related disorder, engaging in activities that help reduce stress or provide an outlet for nervous energy can be very effective in helping PTSD sufferers cope with their condition. Many medical studies have shown that aerobic activity like swimming can play a pivotal role in a PTSD therapy program by helping those who suffer from PTSD battle depression and anxiety so they can achieve a healthy mind and body.
Swimming can potentially help reverse brain damage caused by stress and anxiety. It promotes the process known as hippocampal neurogenesis. In layman’s terms, hippocampal neurogenesis is the regrowth of new brain cells in areas of the brain that atrophy under prolonged periods of stress. Moderate aerobic exercise three times a week actually increases the size of the hippocampus region in the brain, improving cognition, and helping with activities like planning, scheduling, multitasking, and
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