What is Hydrotherapy?
The healing power of water has been recognized for thousands of years, dating back all the way to the ancient Egyptians in 2000 BC. The healing properties of water have also been utilized by many other ancient civilizations including the Greek, Romans, Hebrews and Persians. Over time this practice has evolved into several modern treatments called hydrotherapy.
Simply put, hydrotherapy is the use of water to revitalize, maintain, improve and restore health utilizing the physical properties of water such as minerals, temperature and pressure. Hydrotherapy can help improve your body in many ways. Some of the most recognizable uses of hydrotherapy are:
- Reducing muscle tension while relieving pain
- Rehabilitating injured muscles
- Helping boost the immune system
- Relieving stress
- Cleansing the body of harmful toxins
There are many different types of hydrotherapy. Certain treatments are use to treat different things. Some of the most popular water therapies that make up hydrotherapy include:
- Mineral baths
- Saunas
- Foot baths
- Water Jets
- Jacuzzi
- Whirlpool bath or hot tub
- Warm and cold body wraps
Who does Hydrotherapy help?
Many people can benefit from hydrotherapy. Most of the time, hydrotherapy helps people with debilitating conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Hydrotherapy is also used to help treat people who were involved in physical accidents, patients recovering from surgery, victims of strokes, or even athletes who are looking for quick recovery from sports related injuries.
Additionally, some people use hydrotherapy simply to promote a healthy lifestyle, and relax after a stressful day.
The Benefits of Hydrotherapy
There are many health benefits to hydrotherapy. Some of these benefits include:
Hot Water
Have you ever heard how hot springs have natural healing properties on the body? That’s hydrotherapy! The hot water in hydrotherapy sessions helps raise your body temperature, which causes blood vessels to dilate and increase blood circulation in your body. The hot water also causes your body to sweat, which removes harmful toxins from your body.
Cold Water
Have you ever twisted or sprained your ankle? Chances are you used an ice pack to reduce the swelling. That is the same concept of soaking in cold water. The cold water stimulates your body by lowering your body temperature and causing your blood vessels to constrict. It is recommended that you take a cold shower following a hot shower or bath.
Buoyancy
Being immersed in water can do wonders for your body. It is not only allows you to relax; the weightlessness also takes away a lot of pressure on your joints and muscles.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Relaxing in a whirlpool or next to water jets will help massage and repair tight muscles while also releasing endorphins. This helps the body heal while also decreasing inflamed tissue.
