What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a physical therapy and
rehabilitation practice, also known as in-water therapy or pool
rehabilitation. It carries 10% of the person's real weight under the influence
of the buoyancy force of the water. This prevents the person from putting too
much load on their muscles and movements are easier. Patients who do not put a
load on the joints can easily use their joints to do their exercises more
painlessly and actively thanks to the lifting force.
What are the benefits of
hydrotherapy?
With the effect of the buoyancy force of the water,
the load of the person depending on the body weight is reduced and movements
that are normally difficult or painful to do can be done. When the load on the
joints and muscles decreases, patients can do their exercises more painlessly
and actively. In addition, due to the softening and relaxing effects of hot water
on joints, soft tissues and muscles, it has positive effects on excessive
muscle contractions, cramps, pain and joint stiffness. It helps to increase the
strength and endurance of the muscles by using the resistance property of
water. Hydrotherapy is also used in the treatment of edema and circulatory
disorders due to its stimulating effects on the circulatory and lymphatic
system. The ability of the patient to perform movements and activities that he
cannot normally do and to perform his exercises more easily and in a fun way
increases his morale and motivation and self-confidence.
What are the methods of
hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can be applied with different methods. Application methods such as in-pool exercise therapy, sitting
bath, hot water baths combined with aromatherapy, steam
room, contrast (hot / cold) bath applications, shower applications are
available.
In which diseases is hydrotherapy
applied?
Hydrotherapy is used effectively in the treatment of neurological disorders such as
stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple
sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, muscular dystrophies
and balance disorders. In addition, hydrotherapy is used in the rehabilitation
of musculoskeletal and sports injuries, fractures, calcifications, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and
obesity, and in rehabilitation after prosthetic and other orthopedic
operations.
In what cases is it inconvenient
to apply hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is not applied in cases such as fever, active infection, open wounds,
uncontrolled epilepsy, serious respiratory and heart problems, and allergy to
pool-in-pool chemicals.
How is hydrotherapy applied?
In-pool exercise therapy, which is the most common
use of hydrotherapy, is applied with the help of a trained and experienced
hydrotherapist. The hydrotherapist enters the treatment pool with the patient
and assists or supervises the patient's exercises. The duration and frequency
of the session are determined according to the patient's condition or need.