What Is Hydrotherapy Used To Treat & How Does It Work?

Hydrotherapy, often known as water therapy, is a type of supplementary medicine that involves the use of water for therapeutic reasons. Different forms of hydrotherapy can be used for a variety of purposes, including alleviating joint pain with aquatic exercises and relieving muscular stress with hot or cold baths.

 

Before incorporating hydrotherapy into a treatment plan, consumers should always consult with a physician or physiotherapist. Read on to learn more about hydrotherapy, what it’s used to treat and how it works.

Table of contents:
  1. What is hydrotherapy?
  2. When is hydrotherapy used?
  3. What are the types of hydrotherapy?
  4. How does hydrotherapy benefit your body?
  5. What is the hydrotherapy process?
Woman during Hydrotherapy

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy, for example, may be used to treat acute skin problems like burns and infected ulcers, as well as chronic illnesses like arthritis. Cold or hot water is used in water therapy, with the water flow and pressure varying between sessions. The goal is to alleviate both physical and psychological discomfort. Some forms of hydrotherapy are as easy as soaking in a hot bath, which may be done at home. Other treatments, such as using a cold sauna, need specialised sites or equipment.

When is hydrotherapy used?

Many diseases and conditions are treated with hydrotherapy, including dermatitis, eczema, chest infections, anxiety, migraines, stomach issues, joint and nerve problems, sleep difficulties and stress. It is also used for meditation and self-care. Hydrotherapy can also be used to alleviate or lessen immediate or long-term pain.

What are the types of hydrotherapy?

The term hydrotherapy refers to a variety of procedures. These are some of them:

1. Hydro-massage: While you’re in the pool, you’ll be massaged by gentle and progressively stronger water jets. Water jets are often set at various heights and regions across the pool so that you may target certain portions of your body.

2. Hydrotherapy for the intestines: Colon hydrotherapy is a type of enema that uses water to truly clean you out and get rid of the impurities.

3. Kneipp system: These are botanical and saltwater baths of varying temperatures, named after Father Sebastian Kneipp, who invented them; the Kneipp method of hydrotherapy is paired with a cleansing diet and spiritual activities to provide various health advantages.

How does hydrotherapy benefit your body?

Hydrotherapy can benefit you in a variety of ways. This includes the temperature of the water relaxing your muscles and relieving joint discomfort, allowing you to work out more effectively. Since the weight of your body is supported by the water, hydrotherapy helps to reduce discomfort and promote your joint’s range of motion. Lastly, muscle strength may be improved by pressing your legs and arms against the water.

What is the hydrotherapy process?

You’ll meet with a physiotherapist in the hospital or potentially at the physiotherapist’s own practice before beginning hydrotherapy. They’ll inquire about your overall health, as well as examine your specific requirements. The physiotherapist will determine if hydrotherapy is suitable for you based on this and the information supplied by your doctor. This initial evaluation usually takes 30–45 minutes.
Typically, a course of hydrotherapy consists of roughly six 30-minute appointments. You may need to travel to another hospital if your physiotherapy department does not offer a hydrotherapy pool.

Contact Stepping Stones in Life Therapy Service today

Here at Stepping Stones in Life Therapy Service in Darwin, our team applies the most current treatment techniques and technologies to help families and children improve their health and well-being.

Our therapeutic models are evidence-based. This ensures that each model has been researched and proven to be an extremely successful treatment model. Therefore, you can be certain that you are receiving the finest possible care. So, make sure to get in touch with Stepping Stones in Life Therapy Service for more information and guidance on hydrotherapy treatments today.

Author

Barbara Kapser

Barbara Kapser

Barbara Kapser is our psychologist at Stepping Stones in Life Therapy Service in Darwin. She's a member with the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Association for Infant Mental Health.
She specialises in perinatal infant mental health, attachment disorders, developmental trauma and behaviour support.

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