What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is an aquatic therapy that uses water for the prevention of illness and injury. This method has been used since ancient times and is now widely used in medicine and physiotherapy, as well as in spa and wellness centres, to improve our health.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic discipline that uses water in its different forms and temperatures for the treatment of various physical and psychological conditions. Water is a natural resource with healing properties, as it helps to prevent, treat or alleviate certain diseases and medical conditions.

Aquatic therapy uses the healing properties of water to relax and strengthen joints, relieve pain and improve body mobility.

This method is based on physiotherapeutic knowledge of rehabilitation and is carried out through immersion of the body in water, targeted showers, compresses, steam and other techniques, taking into account the properties of water temperature, buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure.

Main benefits of hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy brings numerous benefits to the rehabilitation process, as water is key to faster recovery. What other advantages does it offer?

• It activates blood circulation.
• Stimulates the immune system.
• Relieves muscle aches and pains.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Promotes muscle relaxation.
• Improves flexibility and range of body movement.
• Reduces muscle contractures.
• Improves breathing.

Types of hydrotherapy treatment

There are different types of aquatic therapies, depending on the needs of each person:

• Thermal aquatic therapy: alternates water temperature (cold, hot, warm) to promote relaxation, stimulate circulation or reduce inflammation.
• Mechanical hydrotherapy: based on the use of water movement (using the pressure, thrust and resistance properties of water) to treat various medical conditions. For example: directed jets or whirlpool therapy.
• Chemical hydrothermal techniques: incorporates specific substances into the water (mineral salts, essential oils, medicines) depending on the objective (treating respiratory problems, skin diseases, etc.).

Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is suitable for treating all types of pathologies related to the locomotor system: sprains, dislocations, fractures, back pain, hernia, sciatica, cervical pain, osteoarthritis, lumbago, advanced osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, muscular atrophy… Aquatic therapy is generally used on a personalised basis to meet the physical or pathological needs of each person.

This method is used to treat many illnesses and conditions, such as colds, acne, stomach problems, sleep disorders or depression.

It is suitable for all ages (babies, children, adults, the elderly…), although there may be certain contraindications to hydrotherapy that should be taken into account. For example: when there are active infections, in case of serious heart disease or if there is a high fever.

It is a safe treatment, although in certain cases it must also be combined with conventional medical treatment, so it is important to consult a doctor before starting a hydrotherapy programme in certain situations.

Hydrotherapy at home: the new affordable luxury

Hydrotherapy treatments are usually carried out in spas, spas, saunas, swimming pools or thermal baths, but today it is possible to benefit from this ancient technique in your own home. Transforming your bathroom into a wellness space can greatly improve your quality of life.

A whirlpool bath, a pool with guided showers… Having your own spa at home allows you to relieve stress, improve your blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, improve the quality of your sleep or show off radiant skin.

Contrast baths or hot compresses are hydrotherapy methods that anyone can apply at home, and it only takes between 20 and 40 minutes per session to help you improve your wellbeing.

Hydrotherapy in hotels: wellness that builds guest loyalty

If you want to bring all these aquatic benefits to your sports centre or hotel, Fluidra offers you a complete catalogue of equipment designed for every need. Imagine a hydrotherapy pool with thermal contrast zones that facilitate muscle recovery and improve circulation, accompanied by multifunction showers and targeted jets for localised massages after exercise.