Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as water treatment, is a therapeutic practice that utilizes the properties of water for healing purposes. Originating in ancient Greece, it has evolved to be recognized within alternative medicine today. One of the primary benefits of hydrotherapy is buoyancy, which alleviates joint pressure during immersion, making it an effective exercise solution for individuals with chronic heart conditions. The warm water immersion is particularly noted for enhancing heart function and easing symptoms of heart failure, while cold water applications can improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
This therapy has been widely used for treating chronic wounds, where whirlpool therapy aids in cleansing and removing contaminants through agitation in water. Hydrotherapy is also gaining popularity in childbirth, providing pain relief and reducing anxiety during labor, without adverse effects on maternal or infant health. Additionally, research suggests potential benefits for conditions like fibromyalgia and neuromuscular disorders, with ongoing studies examining its effectiveness. Overall, hydrotherapy is rooted in a rich historical context and reflects diverse therapeutic practices that continue to evolve.
Subject Terms
Hydrotherapy
Anatomy or system affected: All
Definition: Exercise in warm water, which can aid in the treatments of several disorders
Indications and Procedures
Hydrotherapy, or water treatment, is one of the oldest therapies still in use. A procedure with origins in ancient Greece has today found a place in alternative medicine.
A noted advantage of hydrotherapy is the effect of water pressing on all sides of an immersed person. This hydrostatic pressure has the effect of releasing force upwards, which causes buoyancy. As a person is lifted in water, pressure on the joints is relieved. This also provides a person with an alternative method of exercising for patients with chronic heart failureas, again, the buoyancy effect reduces loading. This buoyancy also causes blood circulation to improve and thus makes the heart more efficient. If a person walks or even jogs while buoyant in water, they may benefit from the aerobic effects of exercise without the impact to joints and limbs. Exercises to improve mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness can be provided easily in water. Immersion in warm water has been used in bathing resorts in Europe since the beginning of the twentieth century to reduce heart failure symptoms as well as to enhance heart function.
Cold water or ice can also be an effective form of hydrotherapy. These can both improve circulation and stymie inflammation. It can also provide localized anesthetic effects. Research also suggests swimming in cold water can decrease tension, fatigue and increase vigor.
Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, peripheral heart disease, neuropathy, steroid dependence, and venous stasis are major contributing factors to forming chronic wounds. The consequence is a nonhealing wound with hypoxia, infection, edema, and metabolic abnormalities. Patients with such wounds, in need of extensive debridement, have traditionally been advised to be immersed in a full-body whirlpool. The reason behind whirlpool therapy is that whirling and agitation of the water, with injected air, removes contaminants and toxic debris and dilutes bacterial contents. The common therapeutic protocol is a five- to twenty-minute session, once daily. Typically, this regimen is continued for a brief period. Other debridement techniques have been gaining in popularity in recent years due to concerns about whirlpool therapy including high water pressure, oversaturation of the skin, and cross-contamination.
Physical therapists have always recommended hydrotherapy to relieve extreme pain. Therefore, it is not surprising that it has found a place in providing relief for patients with fibromyalgia.
Another area where hydrotherapy has found popularity is in labor and childbirth. Studies indicate using hydrotherapy for relief of rapid pain and anxiety in labor. Subjective maternal responses to bathing in labor have been favorable. No maternal or infant infections have been attributed to bathing with intact or ruptured membranes. Maternal bathing in labor does not appear to affect Apgar scores at five minutes or stress hormones at birth.
A 2003 case study indicated that hydrotherapy may be beneficial in treating Rett syndrome. An eleven-year-old girl with stage III Rett syndrome was treated with hydrotherapy in a swimming pool twice a week for eight weeks. After the application of hydrotherapy, stereotypical hand movements had decreased and purposeful hand functions and feeding skills had increased. Research into the effectiveness of hydrotherapy in treating this and other neuromuscular conditions is ongoing.
Perspective and Prospects
Ancient Greek literature contains a considerably large volume of published articles concerning different types of baths and hydrotherapy. These topics were addressed for preventive, hygienic, or therapeutic purposes. These Greek baths were classified in two categories: cold water baths and hot water baths. Cold water baths were said to slow blood circulation; decrease the amount of sweat produced; increase muscular strength, the ability to work, and a sense of well-being; and improve physical, mental, and moral balance. The hot water baths were reported to be relaxing, antispasmodic, and beneficial for treating nervous disturbances.
Bibliography
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Tharpe, Nell, Robin G. Jordan, and Cindy L. Farley. "Care of the Woman Using Hydrotherapy in Labor." In Clinical Practice Guidelines for Midwifery and Women's Health. 4th ed. Burlington, Mass: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2013.