Hydrotherapy
Whirlpools

Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is one of the oldest, safest, and least expensive methods for treating many common ailments. It is very popular at world-class health spas in Europe and elsewhere, but with the advent of hydro-massage whirlpools, it can now be experienced in the comfort and privacy of one's own home.

Tension and stress are unavoidable with today's hectic lifestyles. They can take a heavy toll on the body and mind, and the most effective source of relief is total relaxation.

Having a whirlpool spa in one's master bath is like having a personal masseuse available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without the cost and inconvenience.

The warmth of the whirlpool's hot water relieves muscular pain and stiffness, while its hydro massage feature relaxes the body and clears the mind. Whether to unwind from the complexities of everyday life, to relieve muscular pain, or just to allow more restful sleep, hydrotherapy contributes to well-being...naturally.

Discomfort caused by arthritis, sports injuries, or poor circulation can all be eased by regular sessions in a hydrotherapy whirlpool.

This treatment can also be beneficial for relief of the symptoms of colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, sciatica, and fibromyaligia. It has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, migraines, premenstrual cramps, varicose veins, and yeast infections. . Many physicians and therapists recommend hydrotherapy as part of a rehab program following surgery or injury.

Muscle pain leads to bad posture, which in turn stiffens and tenses the muscles even more. One way to break this vicious cycle is to gently massage the affected areas.

The water and air (or air alone) forced through the jet nozzles of the whirlpool creates such an action. This relieves muscle tensions in six areas of the body: neck, shoulder, mid-back, lower back, thighs, and feet.

The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 85-90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles, while creating the relaxing sensation of weightlessness. The effects of turbulence and buoyancy combined with warm water help to ease pain and reduce muscle spasm.

Immersion in hot water raises body temperature; the massaging bubbles stimulate circulation by dilating blood vessels, enabling them to carry more oxygen and nutrients. This helps to revitalize and renew worn and damaged tissue.

Stimulating pressure points with massage and heat triggers the release of endorphins, the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing; it also slows and deepens breathing. Adding aromatic fragrances to the water will heighten the experience and help the patient sleep more easily and deeply.

Arthritis is a family of over a hundred separate diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and lupus. By some estimates, one out of every three families has someone who suffers from this condition.

The Arthritis Foundation has found that the warmth and massage effect, as well as the simulated weightlessness of whirlpool baths can be of great benefit in the alleviating the pain of this disease. Soaking in water relaxes muscles, which enables a wider range of motion with less pain and strain.

Other studies have shown that diabetes patients require reduced doses of insulin after hydrotherapy. In addition, some have lost weight or showed decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Many have benefited from improved sleep as well as an improved sense of overall health.

Hydrotherapy offers considerable benefits for the disabled. These patients benefit specifically from increased blood flow to skeletal muscles, which can help prevent atrophy.

Hydrotherapy can also assist in recovery from stroke, brain injury, and orthopedic surgery; it can benefit women before and after giving birth. By relieving stress, it strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

Massage stimulates the lymphatic system and helps hasten the elimination of toxins (e.g., lactic acid) from the body.

Massage increases flexibility and range of motion, reduces inflammation, and increases joint mobility. It is used to relieve and even to help prevent sports injuries. It also improves muscle tone and circulation, and relieves neuromuscular problems.

In addition to all of the aforementioned benefits, hydrotherapy will help improve overall fitness, develop water confidence, improve balance and coordination, and help relieve pain from work-related injuries.

Hydrotherapy focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into disease, that is, before constrictions and imbalance can do further damage.

The Full Bath should be about 90° to 95°F and shoulder deep. The hot bath should last at least 20 minutes.

If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other medical condition, please consult with your physician before beginning any hot water therapy program. Infants, children & the elderly are more sensitive to the effects of heat, and experts recommend shorter soaking times.

See Also:

Links to Related Websites:

Spine Health.com - provides in-depth information and resources for patients with back pain, neck pain, and full range of spinal disorders.

Water Therapy Exercise Program - from Spinal Health.com

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