Hydrotherapy is a treatment that uses the healing power of water to treat conditions and symptoms. It can range from water immersion in a pool (we recommend one of our amazing swim spas) to water immersion therapy for skin healing. That being said, it has benefits for both the mind and body. Whether you have a specific medical condition or simply want to relax, hydrotherapy can be a great option. It's a safe option and is absolutely recommended to incorporate it into your treatment plan.
Common goals in introducing hydrotherapy into your lifestyle include relaxing muscles, reducing pain, and improving joint range of motion. Hydrotherapy has been around for centuries, so the benefits are numerous.
Countless studies have been performed on the benefits of hydrotherapy, and a few situations and conditions that it treats include:
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Labor: Warm water immersion can relieve pain during childbirth. It also may decrease the number of pain medications someone needs during labor.
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Rheumatoid arthritis: Hydrotherapy can improve joint pain and increase range of motion.
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Fibromyalgia: The CDC recommends swimming for fibromyalgia. The benefits include decreased anxiety and improved mood, which play important roles in coping with the condition. It can also have long-term effects in improving pain.
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Ankylosing spondylitis: Hydrotherapy can reduce flares and alleviate pain.
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Cancer pain: Studies show that many types of cancer pain — like breast cancer — improve with the use of hydrotherapy.
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Lower back pain: Hydrotherapy can be part of rehab for low back pain and the treatment of spinal pain.
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Hemorrhoids: Sitting in a sitz bath for 10 minutes a day, twice a day, has been reported to improve symptoms associated with hemorrhoids.
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Menstrual cramps: Research shows aquatic exercise reduces painful menstruation.
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Multiple sclerosis: Hydrotherapy may help several musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders.