Description

Hydrotherapy Source refers to using water as therapy in any form. For instance, it may act as a treatment for temporary skin-related issues, such as burns and septic ulcers, or for chronic health conditions, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Water therapy uses either hot or cold water, with the water pressure and flow varying among treatments. The intention is to ease both physical and mental symptoms. Some hydrotherapy practices are as simple as sitting in a warm bath, which people can do at home. Other practices involve specialist locations or equipment, such as a cold sauna. Possible locations and equipment for hydrotherapy may include: physical therapy tanks swimming pools whirlpool spas hot tubs saunas showers baths The procedure for using each will vary greatly depending on the goal of treatment and the practitioner. Benefits Hydrotherapy may offer a range of benefits, including: Reducing pain One reviewTrusted Source found that spa therapy using warm water had a significant pain-relieving effect in people with chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. The warm water may ease the signals for pain, relax the muscles, and increase blood flow, reducing pain in the area. Improving mental health The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source note that water-based activities improve mental health in some people. For example, people with fibromyalgia may find aquatic exercise therapy reduces anxiety and depression. Additionally, many may find that swimming improves their mood and helps release tension through exercise. Arthritis symptoms People with some types of arthritis may benefit from hydrotherapy, as well. For example, one study found that people with osteoarthritis in the knee had improved markers of pain and knee function after 8 weeks of aquatic exercise. Another studyTrusted Source found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who engaged in moderate intensity aquatic exercise while continuing their medication had an improvement in markers of the disease, including lower oxidative stress. Low impact One of the key benefits of hydrotherapy techniques, such as aquatic exercise, is that they are very low impact. People can do these activities in water without putting too much stress on their joints. As a result, people can stick to a workout plan while reducing symptoms such as pain. Relaxation Many forms of hydrotherapy also aid relaxation, both physically and mentallyTrusted Source. Warm water may help ease tension in the muscles while promoting a relaxed state of mind. Recovering from workouts Athletes sometimes use various forms of hydrotherapy in which they alternate between warm and cold water. Many feel that this form of contrast hydrotherapy helps them recover from hard workouts and avoid Trusted Sourcedelayed onset muscle soreness. Pregnancy and hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy may help with the general aches and pains that pregnancy can cause. Some people may chooseTrusted Source forms of hydrotherapy during a water birth to reduce pain and promote relaxation. Research into the benefits and uses of hydrotherapy is ongoing. There is still a lack of evidence to support some hydrotherapy health claims. Types A doctor, physical therapist, or alternative health practitioner can offer advice on which type of hydrotherapy is best, depending on an individual’s health goals. Aquatic exercise Aquatic exercise is a low impact form of physical activity, which typically takes place in a pool using specialist equipment. It allows people to work the muscles and raise the heart rate without putting much stress on the joints. These exercise routines are suitableTrusted Source for people with arthritis or fibromyalgia and for older people, who may be at higher risk of falling or just find working out easier in the low impact environment. Warm water baths Soaking in a warm water bath is a form of hydrotherapy. The person may also add salts and minerals, essential oils, or other ingredients to enhance the bath. Sitz bath A sitz bath is a shallow bath using either warm or cold water. Practitioners may recommend sitz baths for relief from issues such as cramps or hemorrhoids. Wraps, compresses, and fomentation Wraps and compresses using hot, warm, or cold water are also a form of hydrotherapy. These may provide targeted relief from mild symptoms and support treatment. Saunas Depending on the definition, saunas may include both wet and dry heat saunas, as well as cool or refrigerated saunas. These involve sitting in a room set to a specific temperature with either humid or dry air. Water circuit therapy Water circuit therapy or contrast hydrotherapy involves going through a few different forms of hydrotherapy one after the other, generally alternating between warm and cold water to promote circulation and help ease symptoms.