Longevity logo

The Top 4 Benefits of Hydrotherapy

What can hydrotherapy do for you?

By McKenzie JonesPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
2

Image Source: Envato

Hydrotherapy, which is also known, albeit to a lesser extent, as aquatic therapy, is a form of physical therapy that involves using exercise therapy in the form of controlled and gentle movements submerged within the confines of a specialized heated pool with all the necessary equipment and different depths available in order to treat and target a large variety of ailments and conditions within a comfortable, enjoyable and safe setting. In this way and in others as well, hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy differs significantly from conventional aquaerobics and swimming in that the goal is steady healing rather than stressful vigor. Though there are many benefits of hydrotherapy, the following health benefits are four of the most important ones out there as of now.

Pain Relief & Tension Alleviation

Submersion within a body of water provides a weightless environment that puts less pressure on the body, relieves limb tension, alleviates muscle aches, and easing movement to a greater degree than is possible on dry land. Furthermore, hydrotherapy encourages the release of natural feel-good analgesic neurotransmitters called endorphins, which alleviate sore muscles even further, as well as lower blood pressure, anxiety stress, and depression and leave you feeling energized. This makes the incorporation of hydrotherapy immensely helpful as a means to rest and recover after a day's workout. In addition to the weightlessness, the high temperature raises that of the body and increases blood circulation to supply more blood to aching or injured muscles, tissues, and joints, thereby reducing pain and accelerating and facilitating their convalescence.

Increased Circulation & Waste Removal

The hot water from hydrotherapy facilitates increased circulation of white blood cells throughout the body, allowing lymph, a waste-removing immune system fluid, to circulate more effectively throughout the body, thereby bolstering the immune system, which in turn guards the body against future infections and various ailments. In addition to increasing circulation of blood and lymph, the profuse sweating induced by the heat involved in hydrotherapy in the case of saunas helps further eliminate toxins from the body by way of the pores of the skin.

Facilitates Post-operative Recovery

The unique properties of the heated water used in hydrotherapy, such as buoyancy, help gently recover weakened or injured muscles and joints. Furthermore, the water exerts its own gentle external pressure on the body, facilitating circulation and drainage of blood, lymph and waste. This can make it ideal after a surgery or other procedure when movement and exercise are beneficial but not if they are strenuous. This allows the body to be subjected to a healthy amount of post-operative exertion so as to prevent atrophy, while not overworking it at the same time and inhibiting the healing process.

Balance Improvement & Fall Prevention

As stated previously, the unique weightlessness and uniform resistance provided by water provide the unique ability to improve overall balance, which in turn will lead to better ambulation and reduce the risk of falling. However, this is only made possible when the right tools and venues are chosen for the task, not only for overall quality and effectiveness but for personalization to the individual customer's needs. With the portico spa, however, this entire process is completely taken into the hands of the customer, who can have a state-of-the-art heated pool set up at any location of their choosing and with any personal settings for the pool itself. This means that people need not go to an expensive or faraway treatment center to experience the benefits of hydrotherapy, which can instead be delivered right to them such that convenience meets quality.

Water is such a fundamental part of our lives as human beings. Indeed we are largely composed of it and rely on it to survive and prosper. Furthermore, its unique properties allow us to interact with it in so many unique ways that other media simply do not offer. Submersion allows for weightlessness and uniform resistance, while consumption hydrates the body and keeps it healthy. Hot water can relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold water can dull pain and invigorate the body. Past cultures and civilizations recognized its importance, and even in the modern era medical practices and spa regimens utilize various forms of hydrotherapy to facilitate treatments of both mental and physical maladies. While these treatments do not cure everything on their own, they can help supplement other more conventional procedures and treatments for a holistic result.

body
2

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.