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Posted on: November 10, 2012

Hydrotherapy dates back centuries in history. The Romans, for example, used hot water baths for therapy, Today, it is a branch of therapeutic medicine, mostly occupational therapy and physiology. It is also used to revitalize and maintain health. Formerly, it was called hydropathy.

Hydrotherapy utilizes water as the element for relief. There is a variety of methods used for different types of pain. According to the World Book Encyclopedia, “water may be swallowed, injected into body cavities, or applied to the outside of the body by baths or pads.”

Ailments for Hydrotherapy Relief

Hydrotherapy is used for relief of the following, according to Esoteric Oils:
• muscle and joint pain
• inflammation
• burns
• frostbite
• nasal congestion
• detoxification
• after surgery
• due to injury
• promote relaxation
• fight stress
• enhance well being
There are varieties of other ailments that obtain relief from hydrotherapy in addition to those listed above.

Kinds of Hydrotherapy

When hydrotherapy is used in health spas, the methods include sitz baths, warm water baths, saunas, towel compresses or wraps, water massage and more.

Nervous tension and back pain - Prior to massage, the therapist places warm wet towels on the individual’s back. While the heat moves into the spine, a foot massage is usually given. After removal of the towel, the back is massaged by the therapist. The next step is immersion into a hot bath.

Increase Circulation - A flat hot water bottle can be used on the back before massage.

Cold body, hands, feet, face - A paraffin bath works best. According to the medical dictionary, this method involves rapid immersion of a body part into heated wax. Immersion is repeated until a layer forms. The final step is wrapping the affected area entirely with a plastic bag or paper towels.
In addition, contrast treatments between cold and hot water are used.

Osteoarthritis – Soak in a hot bath for aches and pains.
Do not use hydrotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis. It will aggravate the symptoms, according to WABC News.

How it Works

According to Dr. Oz, hydrotherapy works because it relaxes the muscles. “It allows buoyant activity decreasing resistance on muscles and joints.” Exercise and stretches are made much easier.

It is recommended that an individual with severe pain purchase a hot tub. Getting this type of therapy at home can do wonders.

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