Download Hydrotherapy

What is Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy
incorporates water as a
healing tool
Water allows movements
and exercises to be done
while limiting the effects
of gravity and pressure
on weak areas of the
body
Hydrothermal treatments
include water
temperature to aid the
healing process
Multiple Ways to Use
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy
uses
Immersion
full body or partial
stretches and exercises
Topical
apply cool/warm water
wraps or packs
ingestion/inhalation
drink enough water
for hydration
Benefits of Water for Healing
• Physical Therapy
– increase range of motion
– strengthen muscles
– Reduces pressure on painful/weak
joints/muscles
– Useful especially for people with chronic pain
and decreased bone density where land based
exercises would cause pain or injury
Why Exercise in Water?
• Physical Properties of Water allow it to be a valuable tool
in Physical Therapy
– Buoyancy; water counteracts gravity and helps to
support the weight of the patient in a controlled
fashion as the patient is immersed
– Viscosity: resists movement by means of friction,
allowing strengthening and conditioning of an
injury, while reducing the risk of further injury due
to loss of balance
– Hydrostatic pressure: produces forces
perpendicular to body surfaces at every point,
increasing kinesthetic (body motion or position)
and proprioceptive (posture self-regulating)
awareness in some patients
• Buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity upon a
patient which is especially helpful in aiding
movement to improve natural range of motion for
those with chronic pain, arthritis and neck/back
injuries.
• Pain can also be relieved by sensory alterations
that can be caused by relaxation of muscles due to
water temperature and pressure.
• Increased strength and movement can thus be
obtained through exercise in an aquatic setting
Types of Exercises
• Exercises include
– Use of stretches
– Resistive training for
strength
– And even cardiovascular activities such
as
• Swimming
• Pool walking
• Running on a treadmill
Topical hydro treatments
• Use warm or cold compresses
• Warm compresses help to eliminate
dull aches and pains as well as stiffness
• Cold compresses help with sharp pain
Both treatments should be used for 10-15
minutes every four hours and to comfort
levels of patient
Drink Your Water
• Remember to drink water
throughout your day in
order to stay properly
hydrated.
• Water is the main
component ion both blood
and cells of the body
• General recommendations
are to drink at least eight
glasses of water a day as
that is the amount the
body loses in a single day
General Cautions
• While hydro therapy is an important aspect in physical health, prior to any
exercise or treatment a professional should be consulted to avoid injury
• For more info and sources used visit the following links
Sources of Info
• www.spinehealth.com
•
•
http://www.holisticonline.com, Holisticonline.com is developed and maintained by ICBS, Inc.
© 1998-2003
Golanty, Eric. Health and Wellness, 5th Ed.. Jones d Brtlet Publ. Inc.1998
Pictures
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www.csp.org.uk/physiotherapy/ az_conditions/w.cfm
www.findershealth.com/Hydrofloat/
Hydrotherapy Research By Jasmine Vanderwiel