Physiotherapy has different methods and techniques for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with the most diverse diagnoses. For each type of injury or impairment, it is possible to choose the best procedure according to the patient’s characteristics.
The offer of techniques is currently wide: conventional physiotherapy, pilates, RPG, kinesiotherapy, manual therapies, among others.
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is also known as aquatic physiotherapy or aqua therapy, and it is a therapeutic technique that uses the properties of water for physical rehabilitation, through different measures, depths, temperatures and pressures. The activity is carried out in a swimming pool specifically prepared for this purpose.
Physical therapy exercises are guided by a physiotherapy professional with skills in the technique, and the sessions can be carried out individually or in groups.
Water provides a resistance that, added to its pressure, viscosity and density, helps the patient to have a pleasant and pain-free recovery. The person’s weight is reduced in the water, so it is easier to perform physical therapy exercises.
How does the Hydrotherapy technique work?
Hydrotherapy exercises can be performed in pools of hot or cold water, according to the conditions that will be treated by the technique. Normally, the two temperatures are used alternately, for the stimulation of different areas.
Hot water leads to the dilation of the most superficial blood vessels, in order to facilitate blood circulation in some areas of the body, which speeds up recovery. In contrast, cold water constricts the peripheral vessels and facilitates blood circulation in the organs.
High-pressure water jets are also used, providing relaxing massages and improving venous return. The responsible physiotherapist still uses objects, such as weights, balls, and bows, to perform the exercises in the water.
What are the indications and benefits of hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is indicated for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of trauma-orthopedic, neurological, rheumatic, cardiological, pneumological, sports and aesthetic physiotherapy problems. The main indications are:
- high pain level;
- edema of extremities;
- articular contractures;
- decreased mobility;
- generalized muscle weakness;
- deviations in gait;
- postural dysfunctions;
- decreased flexibility;
- range of motion limitation.
The main benefits of hydrotherapy are related to the natural resistance provided by water, which favors the performance of physiotherapy exercises. Patients with greater movement restrictions are able to perform activities more accurately and with less pain, and there is no need to worry about excessive pressure on affected areas.
Other benefits of hydrotherapy includes:
- flotation provides assistance and support for weakened joints;
- hydrostatic water pressure helps to stabilize joints, reduces edema, improves circulation and increases peripheral circulation;
- heated water helps to decrease muscle spasm and provides relaxation of soft tissues;
- the decrease in pressure and relaxation provide a reduction in sensitivity to pain;
- immersed exercises improve respiratory muscles;
- the relaxation provided by water improves the quality of sleep, stress and anxiety;
- the potential to offer a faster recovery increases the patient’s self-confidence;
- exercises provide greater balance and improve body awareness;
- the reduction of gravitational forces combined with the effect of hydrodynamics facilitates movement after any injury or immobilization;
- patients unable to perform weight-bearing movements can begin rehabilitation earlier in the pool.
Like any practice, hydrotherapy has contraindications: patients with skin problems, with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, with urinary and fecal incontinence, with uncontrolled blood pressure, should avoid the technique.
What equipment is used?
The equipment used in hydrotherapy includes support devices installed inside the pool and objects used to perform aquatic exercises. Are they:
Fixed handrails
They are installed on the internal walls of the pool, made of stainless steel and with a diameter of 4 cm. They must be present on both sides of the entrance steps and on at least 3 sides of the pool. They are used as support for immersion of the patient in the pool and for support during the performance of submerged exercises.
Water jets
The jets must be installed below the water level, and provide pressure and relaxing massages during hydrotherapy sessions. In addition, they serve as an obstacle in the performance of some exercises, in order to intensify them and help in strengthening and resistance. The flow must be slow and smooth, so as not to compromise the balance of patients in the pool.
Polyethylene noodles
This equipment is made of waterproof foam, and offers flotation and mechanical resistance when used in water. Used for flotation and as an aid in strengthening exercises.
Weighted bows for aquatic exercises
Equipment used for pool bottom exercises, which helps in increasing agility, speed and in preparation for diving training.
Swimming pool board
The board serves as an aid for water activities, facilitating movements and supporting the patient’s posture, in order to have a correct position during the hydrotherapy session.
Balls
They are rubber balls used for aquatic exercises. They assist body development, motor coordination, reflexes, and physical conditioning through the resistance it offers when submerged in water.
Dumbbells
These dumbbells are made with ideal material for performing aquatic exercises. They are characterized by an increase in the surface of contact with water, which provides greater resistance and, consequently, greater effort to perform the submerged movement and better gain in muscle physical conditioning.
Whirlwind
A good alternative for physiotherapists who do not have the possibility to build a swimming pool, but who want to work with hydrotherapy, is to use the tourbillon. The tourbillon is a water tank in which there is a whirlwind, similar to a hot tub.