Hydrotherapy and Why is it Good For You

Hydrotherapy or sometimes called aquatic therapy uses the principle of water to allow exercise and to alter exercise intensity. It is to revitalize, maintain, and restore health. The use of water for therapy is no modern procedure. It has been carried out for hundreds of years and now forms an integral part of traditional medicine practices. Hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, and the application of cold and hot water compresses.

Because of the buoyancy of the water, hydrotherapy allows many individuals to exercise, where they wouldn't be able to on land. Hydrotherapy can be very useful in treating many different types of soft tissue and bone injury as well as neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy.  The water temperature and agitation is varied depending on the treatment goal. Water temperature, coupled with agitation or vibration against the skin can soothe and relax muscles. Warmer water induces vasodilation or drawing blood into the target tissues, increased blood flow, removes cell wastes, decreases muscle spasm, relaxes tense muscles, relieves pain, and increase range of motion. While cold water produces vasoconstriction which slows circulation, reducing inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain.


Uses of Hydrotherapy

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Back Pain
• Musculoskeletal conditions (frozen shoulder, ankle sprains and groin strains)
• Fibromyalgia
• Surgery conditions (knee replacement, hip replacement, ACL reconstruction)
• Neurological conditions (Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons Disease)
• After strokes or head injuries
• Sports Injuries
• Repetitive motion injury
• Fatigue or weakness
• Stress
• Sleep disorders
• Depression

There are many different types of exercise that can be undertaken in water and the form of exercise prescribed will vary into consideration the patients injury or condition, ability and the facilities or equipment available. Hydrotherapy is generally categorized into two types: External Hydrotherapy and Internal Hydrotherapy. External Hydrotherapy involves the application of water or ice to the body or immersion of the body in water. While Internal Hydrotherapy icludes colonic irrigation and enemas. Steam baths are a type of internal hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy is generally safe if treatment is done properly. Different people may respond differently to the length and intensity if treatment. Overheating is the most likely side effect of hydrotherapy which can be very harmful. This may occur when an individual spends too much time in a hot tub or Jacuzzi. It is important to discuss your physical condition and medical history with your doctor or physical therapist or professional practitioner before trying hydrotherapy.

For more information about Hydrotherapy visit Holistic Panama in this incredible journey of water exercises and healing to heal and enhance the self-awareness and restoring the natural state of health that people have within their selves.