What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a series of therapeutic exercises conducted within a specially designed heated pool that use water to alleviate the symptoms of various physiological conditions. It also tends to involve relaxing exercises like gentle stretching and strengthening exercises against water resistance.
The water’s buoyancy reduces the impact and loading on one’s joints, which mitigates the consequences of improper balance and posture during exercise.
Hydrotherapy is typically done in a heated pool at 32 to 35 degrees Centigrade, but it also includes methods that involve ice packs, the adjustment of hot and cold temperatures, and the use of pressurised jets.
Why is hydrotherapy used, and when is it used?
Hydrotherapy is known for its distinct health benefits and is typically used to relieve symptoms of muscle pain, joint stiffness, swelling, and bruising. These benefits include:
- Improving coordination, posture and balance
- Strengthening weak muscle groups
- Stretching tight/shortened/high-tone muscles
- Facilitating the development of gross motor skills
- Reducing symptoms of pain, muscle spasms and involuntary movements
- Helping with the alleviation of water retention
Hydrotherapy is also implemented as supplementary care together with a holistic treatment plan against physiological disruptions, assisting patients towards their recovery period.
Types of hydrotherapy
At ADMC, hydrotherapy comprises activities such as water aerobics, stretching & strengthening exercises, balance & gait training, relaxation exercises and specialised manual therapy techniques performed in the pool by the physiotherapist.
One should be wary of any treatment that claims to be able to remove bodily toxins or cure diseases, as these claims are mostly unsubstantiated by scientific evidence and could potentially mislead customers into potentially dangerous treatments.
Consult a specialist at Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC)’s REHABCENTRIC for professional advice on which forms of hydrotherapy are most suitable for your needs.
Experience world-class hydrotherapy with REHABCENTRIC
ADMC’s REHABCENTRIC is host to several certified rehabilitation providers who have been trained by esteemed medical institutions, and are dedicated to ensuring that you and your family get the best medical consultation and recovery treatment plan possible.