Hydrotherapy, << `hy` droh THEHR uh pee, >> is a method of treating muscle, joint, and skin disorders and injuries by using water. The water may be used in any of its forms, from ice to steam. Most modern hospitals and clinics have hydrotherapy facilities in their departments of physical therapy. Physical therapists use hydrotherapy to alter the temperature of layers of skin tissue.
Physical therapists apply ice in cases of acute injury to muscles and joints. The ice causes the small blood vessels near the skin surface to constrict (narrow), reducing swelling and pain. The ice affects the central nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.
Warm water can be used to promote relaxation, to relieve chronic muscle and joint discomfort, and to improve joint flexibility. Warm water causes the small blood vessels near the skin’s surface to dilate (widen), bringing more blood to the surface tissues to fight disease there. Warm water in a whirlpool bath is excellent for the removal of dressing and for cleaning wounds in the treatment of burn patients. Physical therapists generally use arm or leg whirlpools to treat small body parts, and whirlpool devices to treat the whole body. The buoyant effect of water is important when a patient is trying to regain strength in weak or partly paralyzed muscles. In such cases, the patient may do exercises in a therapeutic pool. Doctors also use warm-water hydrotherapy to wash out the stomach, the bowel, or other body cavities.
Health resorts called spas offer medicinal bathing in mineral waters, therapeutic steam baths, and other forms of hydrotherapy. In Europe, famous spas are located in Karlovy Vary, the Czech Republic; Vichy, France; and Baden-Baden, Germany. In the United States, popular spas include those in Hot Springs, Ark., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
