Hydrotherapy has lots of advantages and can be a great way to reduce symptoms without medication or other more invasive treatments. If you receive hydrotherapy from a licensed, certified provider, hydrotherapy is very safe and has little to no side effects. But avoid any treatment that says it “removes toxins” or “cures diseases.”
Hydrotherapy is any method that uses water to treat a variety of symptoms throughout your body. You might see it called water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy or balneotherapy.
Hydrotherapy can be as simple as taking a warm bath at home or using a special tank or pool. The term “hydrotherapy” also includes the use of pressurized jets, hot and cold temperatures and ice packs.
Healthcare providers have used water to treat injuries and diseases as far back as the beginning of recorded history. In the last 20 years, medical experts have started studying hydrotherapy as an evidence-based treatment for some conditions and symptoms. Studies have found that hydrotherapy can be a great option to alleviate symptoms like muscle pain and joint stiffness.
Hydrotherapy is an alternative (naturopathic or nonpharmaceutical) treatment, which means it’s not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Even though there are legitimate benefits that experts have studied, hydrotherapy is sometimes marketed as a cure-all in ways that aren’t accurate. It can even be unsafe. Because of these risks, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before adding any new treatments to your routine for managing your symptoms or conditions.
If you choose to use hydrotherapy, make sure you’re receiving it from a reputable clinic and provider.
Who needs hydrotherapy?
Technically, nobody needs hydrotherapy. It’s not a standard treatment for any disease, condition or symptom. As it becomes more widely studied, experts are learning what it is and isn’t effective in treating.
If you’re interested in hydrotherapy, talk to a provider about it and how it might benefit you, which types of aquatic therapy may be right for you and what you need to know before starting them.
What is the recovery time after hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy should have little to no recovery time. You should be able to receive the treatment and then resume all of your usual activities right away.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about the next steps if you’re receiving hydrotherapy as part of a treatment plan for an injury, burn or a specific condition.
What is the recovery time after hydrotherapy?
Water has always been used to help people feel better, and that’s no different in today’s day and age. In fact, hydrotherapy is an increasingly popular form of symptom relief for lots of conditions and issues. Make sure you’re getting treatment from a reputable and certified provider, and talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.