Hydrotherapy can be defined as the treatment that uses water for the purpose of therapeutic affects and has been employed for treatment procedures for thousands of years. In the recent past, modern science and medicine have come back again in search of curative aspect of water. There are published studies showing that hydrotherapy can help to eliminate pain, decrease inflammation, stimulate blood and immune systems, help one to fall asleep, and much more.
How Does Hydrotherapy Work?
Hydrotherapy aims to take advantage of some characteristics associated with water such as temperature, floatation and pression with a view of producing the desired effects on the patients’ body. Here’s an overview of the science behind some of the ways hydrotherapy impacts the body:
Temperature Regulation
Water as a liquid frequently and almost instantly conducts heat or transfers warmth to or from the body and its elements. The use of hot and cold water is one of the basic hydrotherapy procedures to which other advanced techniques are added. Blood vessels expand in warm water, which improves circulation while reducing muscle pain and contractions; water warmth speeds up metabolism. Cold water helps to circulate and work up the immune system and also decreases inflammation and swelling. It also helps the strengthen the immune system through the contrast.
Buoyancy & Hydrostatic pressure
Water provides buoyancy and low density to the body meaning that one’s muscles relax, pressure is relieved off the joints making it easier to move and not as painful as on land. This assists in developing more flexibility of movement and a greater arc of motion. Moreover, hydrostatic pressure from immersed water transmits signals to the CNS which can slow down pains, stimulate the internal organs and promote relaxation.
Promoting Blood Circulation, and Detoxification
The compression from water returns extravascular fluid into blood vessels and lymphatics which increases blood flow into all the tissues in the body as well as the entire efficiency of circulation. Increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to such tissues and organs. The increased lymph drainage affects a removal of metabolic waste products, excess fluids, and toxins.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
In part due to all of the mechanisms stated above, hydrotherapy allows for gentle exercising without much pressure being placed on the body. Due to this reason, aquatic therapy is suitable in instances of injuries, orthopedic operations, cardiovascular issues, neurological complications and others. The resistance can also be felt in water and this is useful in building strength. Hydrotherapy is also by proven research methods proven to reduce the time clients take to heal and also prevent re-injury.
Hydrotherapy – Exploring the Many Uses
The therapeutic values of hydrotherapy have time and over been confirmed through research to be numerous. Here are some of the top ways aquatic therapy can improve health:
Pain Relief
Hydrotherapy is also a powerful tool when it comes to pain, it works effectively with patients with chronic pains such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and lower back pains. In warm water, the muscles feel relaxed while in cold water, the inflammation and swelling that cause pain are well addressed. Even the massage like feeling that one gets from exercising while underwater sends out endorphins as well. This can help to slash the dependence on drugs by a very huge percentage.
Improved Immunity
The cold and hot hydrotherapy means that the cold presses hot and warm and this has the effect of reviving the immune system as well as metabolism and circulation. This helps transport more disease- fighting white blood cells, antibodies and nutrients all over the body in order to fight disease. It has been as far as showing that short cold showers actually reduce vulnerability to the common cold virus.
More relaxation and better formation of new and sleeping points today.
Smoothness and warmth of water in sessions creates delicious lightness free from gravity and brings maximum mental, physical and even spiritual relaxation. Hydrostatic pressure also causes the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system to signal the beginning of the relaxation response. It also makes hydrotherapy one of the best tools to utilize when trying to lower stress rates. Other studies also show that hydrotherapy also enhances sleep quality according to the study.
Reduced Inflammation
Immersion on water has an effect of a counter inflammatory zone. Hot and cold therapeutic methods also reduce inflammation and swelling but in a variety of ways. Ice baths and contrast water therapy are employed to diminish the inflammation due to micro lesions present in the muscle during workouts and games and to facilitate faster recoery. It also quickens the rate at which injuries heal. Sufferers from inflammatory medical conditions also reap big in terms of pain reduction as well.
Neurological Benefits
It is especially effective for neurological conditions or injuries as it works on muscles , limbs balance, coordination, strength and flexibility. Patients with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s diseases, or stroke all participate in hydrotherapy using certain techniques. Swimming is a boring and powerless activity that makes the brain stronger, helping to reconstruct the networks of the brain.
Types and Methods of Applying Hydrotherapy
Today, we can distinguish thousands of therapeutic methods and procedures involving water as the healing agent. Some of the most common or impactful hydrotherapy methods include:
- Hot Baths – improve blood flow, oxygen, and immune system.
- Cold Baths • Decrease inflammation just like heat par. • Stimulation of the lymph system • Activation of nerve functions
- Physical Therapy – Treatment ;{Baths/Showers) Hot & Cold Contrast – Get the benefits of both hot and cold treatments
- Low-impact strength and flexibility exercises like workouts in water, aerobics workouts
- Watsu – shallow warm water massage, stretching.
- Arnica – Water based body massage and water assisted body therapy
- Mineral Baths – Submersion in warm water with dissolved minerals, ortriethanolamine salts.
- Colon hydrotherapy – the internal washing of the colon without causing any discomfort.
- Underwater Treadmills – Medical and physical therapy for patients with neurological disorders, athletes, arthritis suffers.
- Whirlpools – Circular areas with warm water of focus for water circulation and the provision of sturdy water movements for relaxation.
- Kneipp Therapy – Warm and cool water foot soak
The best water temperature and manner appropriately depends on the purpose of using water and physique conditions of people. Hydrotherapy beginners should seek a certified hydrotherapist for advice if they intend to enjoy the service. However, people can always learn to use safe gentle forms of hydrotherapy at home such as hot water bathing, cold showering, or alternating showering.
Hydrotherapy as Part of the Complete Therapeutic Package
Hydrotherapy is unique due to the fact that it can be highly specific relating to the ailment it is being used to try and treat. It combines with other natural remedies for treating sickness also boosts other natural treatments as well. For instance most naturopathic physicians chiropractors, physical and massage therapists supplemented their regular treatments with some form of water therapy. It also supports homeopathy treatments, herbs, nutrition and mind-body techniques.
Most importantly, hydrotherapy emerges as a self healing therapy. All that has to be done is activate the bodies reaction mechanisms. If you need drugless relief from pain, gradual physical therapy following an injury, improved blood flow, help with chronic swelling, or just the opportunity to relax, it’s time to tap into the miracles of water.