Hydrotherapy also known as water cure refers to applications of warm but primarily cold water. It is one of the oldest forms of treatment. Even in ancient Rome, it was used with success.
However, the therapy was forgotten for a long time. To date, hydrotherapy is used to prevent and treat acute and chronic conditions. Thus, Hydrotherapy is the external or internal use of water in any of its forms be it water, ice, steam for health promotion or treatment of various diseases with various temperatures, pressure, duration, and site. It is one of the naturopathic treatment modality used widely in ancient cultures. It is a term used to describe a structured exercise program in a heated pool. Patients are able to move painful, stiff joints and muscles more easily in the warm water than on land due to the relative weightlessness and buoyancy as well as the soothing nature of warm water.
Improves muscle and joint flexibility
Hydrotherapy treatment enables patients to improve muscle and joint flexibility as well as increasing strength. With guidance from physiotherapists, patients get progressed through a range of exercises which may not be possible on land due to pain. Hydrotherapy especially from a spa tubs is often very beneficial for patients who have had situations like Orthopaedic surgery such as hip and knee replacement, spinal surgery, ankle, knee and shoulder surgery. Motor Vehicle Accidents resulting in whiplash and soft tissue injury. Arthritic Complaints such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Joint and muscle stiffness following injury.
Promotes relaxation and decrease pain perception
Physiotherapists commonly use hydrotherapy as a treatment approach for various types of conditions. As hydrotherapy utilizes the hydrodynamic properties of water to promote relaxation and decrease pain perception, some findings have suggested that hydrotherapy may help to decrease the health burden of musculoskeletal conditions. One of the benefits of hydrotherapy is reducing pain and disability associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions and as such Improvements in the perception of well-being are likely to occur following hydrotherapy that is conducted in water within the thermo neutral range.
