In whirlpool therapy, what effect does buoyancy have on the treated limb?

In whirlpool therapy, what effect does buoyancy have on the treated limb?

• A. It supports the part.
• B. It increases the weight.
• C. It causes compression.
• D. It prevents movement.

Answer: (A)

Buoyancy provides an upward force that reduces the limb’s weight when it is submerged, effectively supporting it. This means the treated limb bears less gravitational load, making it easier to move and to perform ROM or therapeutic exercises without stressing healing tissues. The other effects aren’t driven by buoyancy: immersion does not increase weight, its main load-reducing action comes from buoyancy (compression, when present, comes mainly from hydrostatic pressure), and water generally facilitates movement rather than preventing it.

Buoyancy provides an upward force that reduces the limb’s weight when it is submerged, effectively supporting it. This means the treated limb bears less gravitational load, making it easier to move and to perform ROM or therapeutic exercises without stressing healing tissues. The other effects aren’t driven by buoyancy: immersion does not increase weight, its main load-reducing action comes from buoyancy (compression, when present, comes mainly from hydrostatic pressure), and water generally facilitates movement rather than preventing it.