Recently hydrotherapy has been gaining popularity for its curing action. Any physical therapist or occupational therapist carries out this procedure.  It is usually carried out in rehabilitation settings. The particular form of exercise is carried out in the water, bringing out the therapeutic effects. It has now been widely used from previous ancient decades.

What is hydrotherapy exactly?

Hydrotherapy is the method in which water has been brought to use for the therapeutic benefits of the patient. According to the cases, the warm or cold water application is been done. Hydrotherapy is usually an adjunct to other therapies but can also be used in the primary form.

Assessment

Before beginning with the session the physical therapist will assess the patient’s condition in which the proper case history of the patient is taken, for what the therapy is required is determined and a personalized treatment protocol is been prepared for the patient.

The various assessment such as grading of the pain, checking the range of motion, movement of the legs are taken into consideration. 

How is it done?

Each session will last for about 30-35 minutes. Your physical therapist will enter along with you in the pool.

The water of the pool will have a temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius or may vary accordingly.

Initially, the confidence of the patient has been checked by making the patient enter in the shallow water and then successfully deep in the forthcoming sessions.

Then the physical therapist will guide you with certain exercises like strength-building exercises, walking lengths, stretching exercises movements are also trained in the water.

Science and significance

The properties of water play an important role in the therapeutic benefits of the patients. The physical therapist has to have a piece of adequate knowledge about the properties and handling of water.

  • Buoyancy- This is the property that acts as a thrust against the force of gravity. Getting immersed in water causes you to float. This reduces the direct pressure on the joints and other stiff areas resulting in improving your free movement.
  • Heat- The chemoreceptive nerves on stimulation causes pain reduction. It causes the extensibility of soft tissue and increases joint mobility. Heat also relaxes the muscles which provides a soothing effect.
  • Hydrostatic Pressure- The fluid molecule has pressure. At a certain depth, the pressure is exerted which causes a decrease in swelling. It can also show variation in the blood pressure of the patients.
  • Resistance-  The content resistance of the water brings about stability in the person. It helps to strengthen the muscles. On application of speed, the resistance faced may vary. Thus it increases independence and reduces their risk of falling

The hydrotherapy effects are similar to what affect a patient may experience in normal land exercises. The movement cause increase in the blood flow, there is increased demand for oxygen by the muscles and release of carbon dioxide thus causing relaxation. All the muscle contraction and movements are similar to the cardiovascular exercises performed at home. It is an excellent method to bring about the rehabilitation of the muscles and joints of the body. 

Indication

  • Joint pain, muscular pain

muscular spasm

  • For debridement through irrigation in selective cases
  • To achieve deeper relaxation
  • Edema
  • Burns 
  • COPD, following Myocardial Infarction
  • Arthritis (Rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis)
  • Ankle sprain
  • Post-surgery

Contraindication

  • Hypertensive patients
  • Shortness of breath
  • Infection
  • Open or unheard wounds
  • Allergies
  • Diarrhea or bowel disorders
  • Urinary incontinence

What are the benefits?

  • Muscle Relaxation- The water helps to reduce swelling, increase flexibility, and decreases pain, which brings back the spasm and stiffness to function.

All kinds of pain relief can be achieved: The trigger points are relieved on entering the water. The warmth of the water causes relaxation this helps the patient to get rid of the pain.

It can be proven to be therapeutic for overcoming depression and anxiety there is an effect of water which blocks pain pathways to the brain acting as a stress reliever.

  • The patient postural control and stability- The ability to regain mobility in the conditioned environment helps the patient overcome the fear of falling into normal stable life.
  • Improves Cardiovascular Circulation-  It causes the peripheral blood pressure to increase and blood pressure is decreased.

Conclusion

Hydrotherapy or water cure is an effective way to alleviate pain. The physical therapist is trained enough to bring back the patient’s stability increasing the range of motion gaining back the normal life. One should opt for such therapy for a calming and soothing experience.