It is vital to understand what hydrotherapy is before knowing its benefits. Hydrotherapy, a technique that helps improve functions of the body and mind. The therapy is often performed at naturopathy centers, spa centers and can even practice at home. The treatment involves the practice of hot and cold water that induces physiological changes beneficial for the fitness and rehabilitation of any injury or health condition.
Hydrotherapy Benefits
Several properties of the water are beneficial to hydrotherapy. In this post, we have listed things that one must know about water and how it can treat your health conditions.
1. Buoyancy
Buoyancy is the force that helps an object or the body float on the water. In hydrotherapy, these properties of water help clients suffering from joint problems move freely in the water. Where these patients struggle to move on land, the practice of hydrotherapy helps improve their mobility. It also helps release pain by relieving pressure from the joints.
2. Hydrostatic Pressure
Under Hydrostatic pressure, the fluid molecules exert force on the immersed body, which helps increase a wide range of motion. This property of water helps in equal distribution of tension amid the muscles leading to improved blood circulation. It helps Hydrotherapy patients relieve pain and swelling, preventing blood accumulation in the lower part of the body.
3. Turbulence
Turbulence is also advantageous as the irregular motion in water molecules (created by the patient or nearby bodies) helps relax tight or sore muscles and provides resistance. This practice of creating movement in the water further assists in the fluid movement through the joints.
The turbulence practice in Hydrotherapy acts on your current strength, balance, and control. Every session challenges your movements and helps improve functioning and mobility.
4. Temperature
Naturopaths recommend maintaining the hydrotherapy pool water temperature around 31°C. Water temperature plays a crucial role in relaxing the patient’s body and healing it from the inside. Its warmth reduces muscle spasms and helps your body relax. It decreases swelling, pain and improves blood circulation.
All the above-listed properties have a positive impact on the functioning, healing, injuries, and health of Hydrotherapy patients. The naturopathy treatment can further benefit psychological wellbeing, reduce depression and help overcome anxiety.
Who Can Perform Hydrotherapy?
The therapeutic practice of hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to internally and externally maintain health, manage stress issues, and recover injuries. Steam baths, humidifiers, colonic therapy, hot or cold compresses are some types of Hydrotherapy adapted. But the vital question is who can perform Hydrotherapy. Here are few health conditions that may benefit from hydrotherapy:
- Back Pain
- Whiplash
- Ankle
- Joint replacement
- Sciatica
- Shoulder
- Knee sprains
- Hip
- Knee
- Balance/coordination problems
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic fatigue
- Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain
Common Hydrotherapy Concerns and Contraindications
Before the commencement of Hydrotherapy questions, there are few queries that the patient must address. Firstly, the water temperature. Generally, the experts keep the hydrotherapy pool water temperature around 31°C as stated above. It helps relax your body and prevents creating any discomfort due to overheating issues.
Another concern is people fear the inability to swim and believe that the practice is not for them. Whereas, one must know the water depth is around water 1.2 meters from the ground level. Also, there are holdings on the edges that one can easily grab in case feel the fear of falling into the deep.
Thirdly, it is mobility. People who use tools or equipment to balance or walk fear falling. Many therapy centers offer wheelchair entry or have access points in the hydrotherapy pool.
If you are dealing with any listed condition or have any other concerns related to the practice of Hydrotherapy, consult your therapist beforehand.
- Infected wounds
- Suffering from Skin infection
- Cold or Flu
- Uncontrolled heart condition
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- Had a recent chemotherapy
- Incontinence
- Heart disease
If you are willing to practice hydrotherapy and want to learn about nearby therapy centers, mail us. We will help you find which one is appropriate for you, help you consult the right therapist.