Hydro Therapy

Any technique that uses water to treat different bodily problems is known as hydrotherapy. It may also be referred to as balneotherapy, pool therapy, aquatic therapy, or water therapy.

You can utilise a specific tank or pool for hydrotherapy, or it might be as easy as having a warm bath at home. In addition to pressurised jets, hot and cold temperatures, and ice packs, hydrotherapy also refers to these techniques.

Since the dawn of recorded history, medical professionals have employed water to treat wounds and illnesses. Hydrotherapy has been examined by medical professionals as an evidence-based treatment for specific diseases and symptoms over the past 20 years. According to studies, hydrotherapy might be an excellent way to relieve symptoms including joint stiffness and muscle discomfort.
Hydrotherapy is primarily used to relieve symptoms like pain and stiffness. Your provider might suggest a form of hydrotherapy as part of your broader treatment or symptom management plan.

Hydrotherapy can help people with these symptoms feel better:

Pain.
Stiffness.
Bruising.
Swelling.
Muscle pain.
Menstrual pain

What happens during hydrotherapy depends on which form you receive. It can be as simple as bath or shower at home. Most hydrotherapy techniques have both at-home versions and more specialized applications done at dedicated clinics.

Some of the most common forms of hydrotherapy include:

Baths: Soaking in hot or cold water.
Pressurized jets: Applying pressurized water to your body.
Temperature regulation: Applying ice packs, cyro (dry ice) packs or heat (in a sauna, for example) to different parts of your body.

People with several conditions can benefit from using water in different forms and at different temperatures to feel better. Hydrotherapy can provide symptomatic relief to people with the following conditions:

Osteoarthritis.
Fibromyalgia.
Parkinson’s disease.
Neuropathy.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Cerebral palsy.

Hydrotherapy and physical therapy

Hydrotherapy can also be a good supplement to physical therapy as you recover from an injury or surgery. Moving in water provides a low-resistance way to exercise safely. You’ve probably heard of water aerobics or swimming as a great option for people who experience pain from other types of workouts.

Hydrotherapy and pregnancy

Hydrotherapy has shown to be beneficial for some pregnant people. One study found that pregnant people with high blood pressure might be able to reduce their risk for complications like preeclampsia with regular hydrotherapy sessions.

Some pregnant people choose to labor in warm water, which can increase your comfort and decrease pain and anxiety.

Hydrotherapy and weight loss

Hydrotherapy on its own doesn’t cause, stimulate or improve weight loss. However, exercise plans that include working out in water can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.