Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a method of treatment by using water at different temperatures and in different ways.
Use of water:
1. Ice
2. Hot water
3. Cold water
4. Steam
PRINCIPLES OF HYDROTHERAPY
Hot water:
1.Relaxes the body.
2.Activity of internal organs is slowed down
Cold water:
1.Stimulates the body.
2.Increases internal activity within the body.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
1.Buoyancy
Definition:It is upward thrust of the body to the opposite direction of the force of gravity.
Clinical use of Buoyancy:
a)Decreases stress and compression to body tissues(weight bearing stress)
b)Assists weak muscle
2.Hydrostatic pressure:
Definition:"Pressure exerted by fluid on a body immersed in fluid"
Pascal's law: "A fluid exerts equal presure in all sides of a body at rest and at a given depth"
Clinical uses :
a) Water can have a similar effect as compression devices/bandages.
b) Is helpful in decreasing oedema.
3.Viscosity:
Thickness of fluid.
4.High specific heat:
Specific heat: The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 litre of water to 1 degree.
5.Thermal conductivity:
a) Direct heat transmitted into the body
b) One to one contact
c) 24X than air
Archimedes principle:When a body is partially or completely immersed in fluid at rest,it experiences an upward thrust equal to weight of fluid it displaces.
Amount of fluid------>Density of body
WHIRLPOOL TANK
1.Low body tank
a)Designed for ease of transfer in and out of the tank
b)Patients are in long sitting position.
2.High body tank
a)Requires a chair or lift to transfer the patient in and out of the tank.
b)Also called "Hip tanks".
3.Hubbard tank
a)Designed for full body immersions.
b)Used for patients who are unable to sit.
INDICATIONS
1.Control of pain and swelling.
2.Acute sprain and strain.
3.Facilitation of stretching of contracture.
4.Post surgical repair of joints.
5.Healing fractures of bones.
6.Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.
7.Wound care.
8.Help to reduce post operative peripheral oedema.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
1.Open wounds
2.Skin allergy
3.Infections
4.Urinary Tract Infections
5.Epilepsy
6.Cardiac instability
7.Bowel and bladder incontinency
8.Suicidal patients
9.Eczema
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
1.Cleaning
a)Water can be used as a cleanser.
b)Friction of water is used to soften and remove debris.
2.Musculoskeletal effects
a)Decreases weight bearing.
b)Increases blood flow to muscle.
c)Strengthens muscle
d)Reduces Ligamentous instability.
3.Cardiovascular effects
a)Increases venous circulation.
b)Increases cardiac volume.
c)Increases cardiac output.
4.Respiratory effects
a)Increases work of breathing.
b)Decreases exercise-induced asthma.
5.Renal effects
a)Increases urine production.
b)Increases sodium and potassium excretion.
c)Controls hypertension and peripheral oedema.
CLINICAL USES
1.Superficial heating and cooling.
a)Has an even contact with skin.
b)Can increase or decrease the temperature of area to be treated.
2.Wound care
Cleansing properties facilitate:
a)Rehydration.
b)Softening and debriment of necrotic tissues.
c)Removal of wound debris.
d)Increased circulation.
e)Moist environment to optimize healing.
3.Stress
a)Helps in breaking stress cycle.
b)Treats stress related illness like high blood pressure ,digestive complaints,anxiety attacks,depression,headache,insomnia.
4.Complexion
a)Helps reduce fluid retention.
b)Facial steam.
5.Back pain
a)Cold compression helps reduce inflammation.
b)Contrast bath may reduce pain and induce relaxation.
6.Insomnia
Stress reduces,which leads to better sleep.
7.Oedema control
a)Water immersion has shown to reduce peripheral oedema due to hydrostatic pressure.
b)Contrast bath are used to control oedema.
Written by: Mr. Habamutlang War (BPT)