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Schedule a tour nowHydrotherapy: Water, Water Everywhere!
Posted on: October 3, 2014
Hydrotherapy is a form of medicine that uses water for healing purposes. This technique, often used in conjunction with massage therapy, can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions, such as arthritis and other forms of chronic pain; depression, stress, anxiety, and headaches; joint, muscle, and nerve problems; and sleep disorders. Hydrotherapy uses the healing properties of water, including hydration, temperature, and pressure, to restore balance to the body. The type of hydrotherapy varies based on the type of condition being treated and your overall health and well-being. Some common forms of hydrotherapy include saunas, steam baths, cold and hot compresses, and foot baths. The water applied can be hot or cold depending on the condition being treated. Cold water constricts (tightens) blood vessels, while hot water opens the pores and relaxes the body. While hydrotherapy can be performed in a spa or massage therapy clinic, you can also perform simple forms of hydrotherapy at home. This can be as simple as soaking in a tub of warm water with herbs or crystals for the purpose of relaxation and soothing joint and muscle pain, or taking a hot and steamy shower to relieve chest congestion. Ice packs can be used at home to reduce inflammation and swelling after an injury. For those who have arthritis, chronic pain, or injury, hydrotherapy is often used in a rehabilitation setting. For example, water exercise has proven effective for seniors and others who need to be active and exercise the body but need to minimize the impact to ailing muscles and joints. Hydrotherapy in its various forms is safe for most people. However, if you are in ill health or have a chronic condition, you may want to talk with your doctor before undergoing hydrotherapy.
