Hydrotherapy basics

Hydrotherapy is water therapy that has been used for centuries to promote health and healing. Here the basics you need to know about Hydrotherapy.

The Effects of Cold

• Vasoconstriction - decreases circulation to the area

• Reduces inflammation and edema

• Reduces hemorrhage and hematoma formation

• Reduces the nerve transmissions of free nerve endings and reduces nerve conduction along the nerves ie increase pain threshold

• Decreases muscle spasms

• Decreases acute pain

The Effects of Heat

• Increases metabolism

• Vasodilation

• Increases activity of white blood cells – facilitates healing – tissue repair

• Increase in nutrients

• Increase in removal of metabolites

• Decreases pain and muscle spasms

• Clear inflammatory by products or edema

The Effects of Contrast

• Stimulating

• Increase local and systemic circulation

References

•Hydrotherapy Theory and Technique, Patrick Barron