HydrotherapyBy: Jessica NorrodHCR 230 14931

What is Hydrotherapy?α Hydrotherapy is the use of

water to restore health.α It is used most often as a

medical treatment.α It is used to restore or

maintain a person’s health.α Hydrotherapy has a long

history and can be used in many different ways, for many different reasons, and for both animals and humans.

α These slides will cover the above mentioned topics.

Theory behind Hydrotherapyα Water can store and carry heat and energy.α Water can dissolve other minerals. i.e. saltα Water can’t hurt you.α Water comes in many different forms like

liquid, solid and gas.α Water can help blood flow.α Water has a soothing and calming affect on

people.

History of Hydrotherapyα Hydrotherapy has been used ever

since the Biblical times; it states in the Old Testament about using the properties of mineral water for healing.

α Hydrotherapy has been used by many different cultures though out time.

α The modern technique used for Hydrotherapy came about because of Vincent Preissnitz who created the "Graefenberg cure” in the 1800’s.

α He used this cure to help treat almost every ailment that he saw.

Different types of Hydrotherapy Iα Hydrotherapy is normally given at health spas or

recommended as a home care treatment there are many different types:

~ Sitz bath- This is where there are two different baths next to each other. One has hot water the other has cold. You alternate between sitting in one with your feet in the other.

~ Warm water baths-This is when you soak in water for up to 30 minutes. Depending on your condition you can add things like

- Epsom salts, mineral mud, aromatherapy oils, ginger, moor mud, and dead sea salts

~ Sauna- This is a dry heat

~ Compresses- Towels are soaked in hot or cold water and

then put on the intended area.

Different types of Hydrotherapy II~ Wraps- This is when cold wet flannel

sheets are used to cover a person lying down. Then the person is covered with dry towels and then blankets. α External hydrotherapy involves immersing the

body in hot or cold water or applying water or ice to the body

α Temperature hydrotherapy involves the affects of hot and cold water on the body and how it affects the underlying tissue.

α Motion based hydrotherapy involves water under pressure used to massage the body.

Conditions Hydrotherapy Can Help• Acne• Arthritis• Colds• Depression• Headaches• Stomach

problems• Joints

• Sleep disorders• Stress• Relaxation• Maintain health• Massage's• Nerve Problems• Muscles

Benefits of Hydrotherapyα It dramatically increases the elimination of

waste, which helps in the detoxification process.

α Loosening tense or tight muscles.α Increases the metabolic rate and digestion. α Hydrates the cells, improving skin and

muscle tone.α It boosts the immune system, allowing it to be

more efficient. α Improves the function of the internal organs

by stimulating blood supply.

Risks, Cautions and Contradictionsα Generally Hydrotherapy is safe.α Always tell your doctor if you are doing alternative medicine because it

may have adverse affects on you.α Frail, elderly, or the very young may become dehydrated or develop

serious blood chemistry problems in very warm water or saunas. α People with diabetes, numbness or poor sensation may get burns or

scalding from hot compresses or hot soaks.α Pregnant women and people with lung problems may have problems

with very hot or very cold water.α People with poor circulation may find it worsened in cold.α Excessive heat or cold applied directly to skin can cause problems like

burning or pain.α Bacterial infections because of improperly cleaned whirlpools have

been reported and fungal infections have resulted from mud baths. α Drinking massive amounts of water over a short time can result in

mineral imbalances or death.

Animals and Hydrotherapyα Hydrotherapy was first

used by horse owners in the nineteenth century with the creation of special facilities that imitated the effects of swimming in sea water.

α After that greyhound enthusiast saw that this could help improve the fitness of their dogs.

α Now they use hydrotherapy to cure all types of issues with dogs. From depression to neurological issues and everything in-between.

Some Tips for an Effective Hydrotherapy Session

α For overall tensions reduction use a neutral temp. bath; temperature of your skin.

α Use water temp. between 102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit to loosen up tight muscles.

α Take a cold shower after you step out of the bath. This results in an immediate rush of blood flow and energy.

α Stay in bath no longer then 15 to 20 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or heat issues do not stay in long enough to increase your temp.

α The evening is the best time to soak in water.

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http://www.holisticonline.com/hydrotherapy.htm Hydrotherapy History. (2011, January 01). 121 Animal Therapy. Retrieved

February 06, 2012. from http://www.121animaltherapy.co.uk/history.html

Hydrotherapy Information. (2008, September 20). Natural Therapy Pages. Retrieved 06, 2012. from http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/hydrotherapy

Wong, Cathy. (2005, February 01). Hydrotherapy. About.com. Retrieved February 06, 2012. from http://altmedicine.about.com/od/therapiesfrometol/a/hydrotherapy.htm