Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, involves the use of water for the relief of pain and mobility and treating injury, illness, or disease processes  .

Active VIII Physiotherapists are experts in the use of water following injury, surgery or disease processes. Using the principles of bouancy and turbulance, they may use a combination of hands on “badragaz” techniques and/ or rehabilitation exercises. The pool promotes relaxation, eases joint stiffness and therefore reduces pain during exercise.  The buoyancy of the water supports the body, reducing the load through the joints. This makes it easier and more comfortable than exercising on land and also provides support when walking. 

As you progress, and depending on your problem, your physiotherapist may introduce higher levels of exercise.  This may incorporate the use of water turbulance and longer levers, to make your muscles, joints, soft tissues and cardio-vascular system work harder. This improves strength, power and endurance of your muscles, enhancing joint mobility, as well as balance, stability, co-ordination and overall cardio-vascular fitness.

Hydrotherapy can help with many problems including:

• Back pain, Sciatica, Neck stiffness 
• Post-operative treatment following surgery:
  - ligaments or tendon repairs
  - total knee, hip or shoulder replacement
  - fractures and fracture repairs
• Sports injuries
• Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,  ankylosing spondylitis
• Stiff, aching Joints, 
• Muscular pain and tension and Fibromyalgia
• Fatigue, Insomnia
• Poor circulation
• Stress

What are the therapeutic benefits of Hydrotherapy?

• Muscular relaxation and decreased muscle spasm.
• Decreased pain due to relaxtion and  support.
• Gravity is countered by buoyancy.
• Increased muscle strength and endurance due to the greater resistance in water.
• Improvement in swelling, reduction in oedema and blood pressure due to  hydrostatic  pressure.
• Enhanced balance and stabilisation.   
• Improved enjoyment and confidence to move better.

How does Hydrotherapy Work:

Pain Relief

Hydrotherapy is proven to be a highly effective form of natural therapy which works by stimulating your body pain relievers (endorphins) which helps you to control pain and alleviate tension. Hydrotherapy relaxes your joints and muscles, relieving muscular tension and reducing joint stiffness. It also helps to reduce swelling in joints and soft tissues and oedema in the limbs due to the hydrostatic pressure of the water. This helps to increase your circulation, improve your mobility and lessen your pain. The whole process aids reduction in stress and tension.

Circulation

Hydrotherapy improves your blood flow taking oxygen and nourishment to all your cells and tissues. When working correctly, this forms the basis of a healthy life. Good circulation also brings the benefit of good lymph drainage thereby reducing fluid retention, which helps to clear the body of toxins.

Immune System

Removal of toxins, leads to a stronger immune system which can help your body to fight viral and bacterial infections.

Stress

Hydrotherapy can help reduce the stress of everyday modern life. Stress related illnesses can cause a wide range of physical and psychological problems, including high blood pressure, headaches, digestive complaints, insomnia, depression and anxiety attacks. Adverse stress not only affects the mind but more importantly your immune system.

What happens to you during Hydrotherapy?

When you are in pain or under stress, chemical changes in your body can cause the blood pressure and pulse rate to increase, Having regular hydrotherapy treatments can help you to reduce these symptoms by relieving swollen joints and slowing down the process of stress reaction. This will help you to relax and unwind, which is easier for you, helping you to deal with your pain.

Physiological Effects during your first treatment :

Usually 4-6 session of hydrotherapy produces significant improvement in your musculo-skeletal problems. Further treatment may be necessary for more complex problems.

After 5 minutes - your blood pressure and your pulse rates start to lower.

After 10 minutes - your circulation improves in your hands and feet making them warmer. 

After 15 minutes - your muscles will relax becoming more receptive to active and passive exercise. Tendons and fibrous tissue becomes more pliable and responsive to active and dynamic stretching and encourages the removal of lactic acid and other toxins from your system. 

After 20 minutes - you will experience a temporary decrease in the severity of your aches and pains.

Further Treatments

After 3 treatments - your joint stiffness, muscle strength and immune system will improve

After 4-5 treatments - you should experience significant gains in joint range of movement, muscle and tendon strength and length, balance and co-ordination. Relief of Pain and tension may be substantially reduced and longer lasting.

Further treatment - may be required, particularly following surgery or severe trauma.