Hydrotherapy

Although the use of water to treat illnesses is a time-honored medical technique, it has recently declined in popularity among mainstream physicians. The application of hot and cold water or water-soaked compresses to manage the pain and swelling of soft tissue injuries and burns is still standard practice, and has been proven effective in a variety of well-controlled clinical trials. Likewise, physical therapy performed in water is still a common treatment for the disabled. However, other forms of hydrotherapy are no longer routinely used in hospitals, and most medical schools no longer teach the techniques. The hydrotherapy formerly used in psychiatric clinics is now considered obsolete.

In the world of natural healing, however, hydrotherapy continues to claim devoted proponents. Techniques such as constitutional hydrotherapy and hot fomentation, both of which seek to rid the body of toxins, are advocated for a wide range of diseases. WatsuŽ, a sort of aquatic version of Chinese deep-tissue massage, is said to help pain, stiff joints, spasticity, and tension. Although none of these techniques have been validated through clinical trials, practitioners point to a growing file of case studies as proof of their success.

Purpose of Hydrotherapy

Among hydrotherapy's more conventional uses are treatment of soft-tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, diabetes and other diseases that impair circulation, balance disorders, and muscle weakness.

In the alternative medicine realm, claims for procedures such as constitutional hydrotherapy and hot fomentation tend to be much more extravagant. They include treatment of ear infections, high fever, multiple sclerosis, cancer, fractures, migraine, digestive problems, prostatitis, kidney and bladder infections, depression, attention deficit disorder, and anxiety.

Consider before having hydrotherapy

Some forms of hydrotherapy are not suitable for certain patients. Cold baths should not be given to young children or the elderly. Sauna baths should be avoided by people with heart conditions.

Description

External hydrotherapy

External hydrotherapy involves the immersion of the body in water or the application of water or ice to the body.

Temperature-based treatments

These treatments are based on the different effects of hot or cold water on the skin and underlying tissues. Hot water (around 100°F/37.8°C) relaxes muscles and causes sweating. It is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, and sore muscles. Hot water hydrotherapy can be used in combination with aromatherapy by adding scented oils to the water. Cold water (60°F/15.6°C) treatments are used to stimulate blood flow in the skin and underlying muscles.

Temperature-based treatments include the application of moist heat or cold to specific parts of the body. The application of moist heat is called fomentation, and is used for chest colds, influenza, or arthritis. Cold compresses or ice packs are used in the treatment of sprains, headaches, or dental surgery. Body packs, which consist of wet cloth wrapped around the patient, are sometimes used to calm psychiatric patients and for detoxification.

A sitz bath is a form of treatment in which the patient sits in a specially constructed tub that allows the lower abdomen to be submerged in water of a different temperature from the water around the feet. Sitz baths are recommended for hemorrhoids, prostate swelling, menstrual cramps, and other genitourinary disorders.

Motion-based treatments

Motion-based hydrotherapy uses water under pressure in the form of jets, whirlpools, or aerated bubbles to massage the body. It is used to treat joint and muscle injuries as well as stress and anxiety disorders.

Purifying baths

Some alternative practitioners recommend bathing in solutions of chlorine bleach, sea salt, lemon juice, turmeric, epsom salts, baking soda, or other substances in order to purify the body of toxins, heavy metal deposits, and radiation.

Internal hydrotherapy

Internal hydrotherapy includes colonic irrigations and enemas. Steam baths or inhalation of steam to relieve respiratory congestion are also forms of internal hydrotherapy, as is drinking mineral water to restore the body's electrolyte balance or cleanse the system.

Normal results

Normal results for hydrotherapy are symptomatic relief of the condition for which it was recommended. Additionally, hydrotherapy can strengthen both the individually focused area and the entire body.