Hydrotherapy is the use of water (hydro) for therapeutic purposes. While that may roughly define hydrotherapy, it raises more questions than it answers. How is water used in hydrotherapy? Why is hydrotherapy effective? Who can benefit from it? This brief guide to hydrotherapy will help you understand it better and decide if it can be an effective therapy for you.
What is Hydrotherapy?
Sometimes also called Aquatic Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy. With traceable roots going back to 2400BCE, it is one of the oldest forms of physical therapy known to man. Used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques, it has been found to be a very effective therapy for a wide variety of diseases, injuries and disorders.
Why is Hydrotherapy Effective?
Water can be a very effective medium for therapeutic purposes for several reasons:
- Because of its density, water relieves the pressure of gravity. This can be very beneficial for both treatment and rehabilitative exercise.
- The resistance offered by water can help gently strengthen weak muscles.
- Hot water can be used to relax and soothe, while cold water can be used to stimulate and invigorate.
- Agitated water, such as in a spa, can relax sore muscles and provide relief from pain.
- Mineralised water can aid in the treatment of a host of skin disorders.
Who Can Benefit from Hydrotherapy?
Loosely speaking, anyone can benefit from hydrotherapy. Outside of its clinical applications, we all use "hydrotherapy" when we take a hot bath or jump into the cool waters of the ocean on a hot summer day. Clinically speaking, those who seek out the services of a hydrotherapist most often include those who:
- Have suffered from a sports injury and want to recover faster.
- Have limited mobility.
- Suffer from a physically debilitating disease and need a safe and effective form of exercise.
- Are seeking relief from chronic pain.
What are the Benefits of Hydrotherapy?
Because it is so ideal for people who are suffering from severe immobility, it is often thought that hydrotherapy is only for injury rehabilitation; as a form of exercise for the elderly; or as physical therapy for those who suffer from a crippling neurological disorder. The fact that it has been shown to be of benefit for serious injury or disease just goes to show that hydrotherapy can be of benefit to anyone. Some of the benefits of hydrotherapy include:
- Pain relief
- Relief from muscle spasms
- Relief from swelling (oedema)
- Improved flexibility
- Improved coordination
- Improved strength
- Better cardiovascular fitness
In addition to these benefits, there can be tremendous psychological benefits to hydrotherapy, as well. Remarkably, many people report improvements in all areas after their first hydrotherapy session.
You can enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy one-on-one with a trained hydrotherapist or in a group setting supervised by a hydrotherapist. Group hydrotherapy is usually carried out at a public or private swimming pool and is best for those with relatively good mobility, whilst private sessions can be more intensive and focused on your specific needs. Many people start with a one-on-one session or series of sessions and then go on to the more cost-effective group sessions afterwards.
