What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy or "water therapy" is the treatment of ailments through the use of water.

The focus of hydrotherapy is to rid the body of toxins that may be causing joint pain and inflammation. Hydrotherapy treatments are also helpful in managing chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

How does Hydrotherapy work?

The healing and recuperative properties of hydrotherapy are due to it's thermal and mechanical effects. It employs the body's reaction to hot and cold stimuli. From the skin the nerves carry impulses deeper into the body. This is instrumental in lessening pain sensitivity, invigorating blood flow and circulation, increasing the production of stress hormones and stimulating the immune system.

Hydrotherapy's more conventional uses are the treatment of muscle weakness, balance disorders, diabetes and other diseases that impair circulation, cramps, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, back pain, musculo-skeletal injuries and soft tissue injuries.

In a two week pilot study, fourteen patients with ankylosing spondylitus (AS) were treated using hot water mineral baths. A significant improvement was found in finger to floor distance, morning stiffness and over all well-being was noted in the patients by physicians. A significant reduction in the use of analgesics was also noted. These improvements began after one week of treatment and was still present after three months.

Heat has the tendency to soothe the body while slowing down the activity of internal organs. A soak in a hot tub will help when experiencing tense muscles and anxiety from stress. One experiences weightlessness when being submerged in water. The body is given a break from the constant pull of gravity. Water in motion stimulates touch receptors on the skin releasing tight muscles and boosting blood circulation. The water kneads the body providing a massage like feeling.

Back Pain and Hydotherapy

Millions of people suffer needlessly from lower back pain.

A study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology provided evidence that hot tub therapy has short and long term benefits for people with lower back pain in 1995.

In a study of 40 persons at the University of Minnesota, 85% of the participants chose a whirlpool bath over a still bath. Both were effective in reducing anxiety, but only the whirlpool bath was effective at reducing the participant's reactivity to stress. This research information was published in the March-April 1996 issue of Arthritis Today.

Arthritis and Hydrotherapy

The joints have the tendency to swell and stiffen with heavy to moderate exertion as we get older.

The use of heat is recommended for many people suffering from arthritis and hydrotherapy is a great way to distribute and deliver heat to many parts of the body. The buoyancy of water reduces body weight by approximately 85-90% and is what provides the relaxing feeling of weightlessness. Many doctors advise people with sore joints to soak in warm water in the morning before starting their daily activities.

Alternating cold and hot baths are good for treating hands and feet. The alternating hot and cold stimulates circulation by causing blood vessels to dilate, which is beneficial for arthritic joints and aching feet. The application of heat eases muscle tension, is soothing and relieves pain.

Summary

For treating many common ailments, water healing is one of the oldest, safest and cheapest methods. From personal experience we know water makes us feel better and is not just for cleansing. After a strenuous day, you know you'll feel much better after soaking in a hot tub of water. The hot water relieves fatigue and prevents stiffness.