Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy (also known as water therapy, balneotherapy, hydrothermal therapy) is the use of water as a medical treatment, either internally or externally, and appears to be effective in various ways.
Hydrotherapy involves the use of water in the form of ice, liquid, or steam. Some of the most common examples of hydrotherapy include using water to clean wounds, use of warm moist compresses, ice packs, whirlpool or steam baths, and drinking water in order to prevent or reduce dehydration.
Warm compresses help to expand blood vessels, thus increasing circulation, help to relax muscles, and reduce pain. Warm water in the form of a bath, Jacuzzi, or hot tub helps you to relax and relieves stress. The water vapor produced by a humidifier can reduce the discomfort of minor sore throats and colds. Warm water vapor from a sauna or hot shower help to warm and moisten the nose and breathing passages. Hydrotherapy in the form of ice packs is used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Hydrotherapy is also used in physical rehabilitation and exercise. When performed in water, exercises can cause less strain on the bones and joints. The water also offers resistance to movement, which helps build muscle strength.
Other types of hydrotherapy may involve bathing or soaking in water that contains mud, herbs, aromatherapy oils, Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, or other materials.
There is not enough scientific evidence to support claims that alternative uses of hydrotherapy can cure cancer or any other disease.
Hydrotherapy can be useful for patients with severe burns, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries, and bone injuries.
Most forms of hydrotherapy are considered safe. However, people who are very frail, elderly, or very young, people with diabetes, numbness, or poor sensation are not recommended to use hydrotherapy in the form of warm water.
People with poor circulation or problems such as Reynaud’s disease are not recommended to use hydrotherapy in the form of cold water and cold wraps. Excessively hot or cold water applied directly to the skin for long periods of time may cause pain and tissue damage.