What is Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy incorporates water as a healing tool

Water allows movements and exercises to be done while limiting the effects of gravity and pressure on weak areas of the body

Hydrothermal treatments include water temperature to aid the healing process

Multiple Ways to Use Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy uses Immersion full body or partial stretches and exercises Topical apply cool/warm water wraps or packs ingestion/inhalation drink enough water for hydration

Benefits of Water for Healing

Physical Therapy
increase range of motion strengthen muscles Reduces pressure on painful/weak joints/muscles Useful especially for people with chronic pain and decreased bone density where land based exercises would cause pain or injury

Why Exercise in Water?

Physical Properties of Water allow it to be a valuable tool in Physical Therapy Buoyancy; water counteracts gravity and helps to support the weight of the patient in a controlled fashion as the patient is immersed Viscosity: resists movement by means of friction, allowing strengthening and conditioning of an injury, while reducing the risk of further injury due to loss of balance

Hydrostatic pressure: produces forces perpendicular to body surfaces at every point, increasing kinesthetic (body motion or position) and proprioceptive (posture self-regulating) awareness in some patients

 Buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity upon a patient which is especially helpful in aiding movement to improve natural range of motion for those with chronic pain, arthritis and neck/back injuries. Pain can also be relieved by sensory alterations that can be caused by relaxation of muscles due to water temperature and pressure. Increased strength and movement can thus be obtained through exercise in an aquatic setting

Types of Exercises
Exercises include
Use of stretches Resistive training for strength And even cardiovascular activities such as
Swimming Pool walking Running on a treadmill

Topical hydro treatments

Use warm or cold compresses Warm compresses help to eliminate dull aches and pains as well as stiffness Cold compresses help with sharp pain
Both treatments should be used for 10-15 minutes every four hours and to comfort levels of patient

Drink Your Water

Remember to drink water throughout your day in order to stay properly hydrated. Water is the main component ion both blood and cells of the body General recommendations are to drink at least eight glasses of water a day as that is the amount the body loses in a single day

General Cautions
While hydro therapy is an important aspect in physical health, prior to any exercise or treatment a professional should be consulted to avoid injury For more info and sources used visit the following links

Sources of Info
www.spinehealth.com

http://www.holisticonline.com, Holisticonline.com is developed and maintained by ICBS, Inc. 1998-2003 Golanty, Eric. Health and Wellness, 5th Ed.. Jones d Brtlet Publ. Inc.1998

Pictures
www.csp.org.uk/physiotherapy/ az_conditions/w.cfm www.findershealth.com/Hydrofloat/

Hydrotherapy Research By Jasmine Vanderwiel