What Exactly Is Hydrotherapy? What Kind Of Problems Can Be Treated Using Water Therapy?

Hydrotherapy is referencing to the practice of using water in either of its forms to heal

, soothe, and relax the human body. It has been in use since the early days of the Romans when hot springs and Roman bath houses were popular & in-use for the same reasons.

Hydrotherapy dates back as well to the times of the sweat lodges that were popular with many Native Americans tribes Hydrotherapy focuses the use of steam, ice, and/or water for the purposes of healing the body. Saunas, steam baths, ice packs, & whirlpool baths, are all forms in-use. Each of these methods are practiced with intentions to bring relief from pain or tension using a combination of moisture and heat.

Water therapy treatments are available at most health spas and fitness clubs and private versions are available for home-use. Heat-based hydrotherapy combines heat and water in various forms of steam baths, vapor-humidifiers, and warm-to-hot baths. Cold-based hydrotherapy uses cold compresses & ice packs to specifically narrow or constrict blood vessels. By constricting the blood vessels, the effect causes the circulation of the blood to slow down, which helps to reduce the swelling that becomes present. Cold-based hydrotherapy is most-often used to reduce the presence of fluid within a specific treatment-area as well.

Hydrotherapy treatments are often used in conjunction with other treatments including the prescription of medicines. Ailments that are sometimes treated with hydrotherapy include headaches, arthritis, migraines, circulatory problems, and more.

Forms of Hydrotherapy

People often take a long, hot soak in the tub to relieve muscle tension and ease joint pain. Hot water is often used in an effort to reduce the soreness that is felt after strenuous exercise or long walks. The hot water and the steam it produces open the pores while causing blood vessels to open. The intended result is better circulation and a reduction in the amount of pain that is felt along with an improvement in muscle relaxation.

The Hubbard tank allows individuals to immerse themselves completely in a tank filled with warm water for the purposes of treating leg, arm, shoulder, and back injuries. The Hubbard tank can also be used to treat burn victims.

Water therapy includes the use of whirlpools. This can ease muscle aches and chronic conditions. The jets release warm water in spurts that are aimed at massaging the body in an effort to relieve muscle tension.

Swimming pools allow people the chance to exercise in an environment that doesn't add extra strain on already painful joints and bones. Water-related aerobic exercise is a great way to relieve back pain in some patients.

Sitz baths are most-probably taken in smaller tubs filled with salts and/or minerals designed to soothe pain caused by hemorrhoids or testicular pain. Saunas make use of steam and/or warm water-vapor to decrease pain or to relieve tension and stress. Today, it's possible to get a personal sauna installed at your home.

Water therapy, or Hydrotherapy often uses ice packs or cold compresses in treating a number of medical conditions. These conditions include migraines, headaches, herniated discs, muscle injuries, skin ailments, & facial problems. Anyone who plans to use hydrotherapy on a regular basis or for treating of a serious medical condition should talk to their doctor first before incorporating it into their lifestyle. Hydrotherapy can be a good experience and yield good results as long as being used properly.

by: Jacqueline Gharibian

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