Hydrotherapy for Your Health

Are you interested in hydrotherapy? Why it is not a mainstream medical treatment, it can be very effective in treating symptoms like pain, swelling, muscle aches, stiffness, and menstrual cramps. People with conditions like osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy may benefit from hydrotherapy, but it’s important to remember that hydrotherapy will not cure any of these conditions. People suffering from burns can also find relief from hydrotherapy. Let’s take a look at what hydrotherapy entails and how it works.

Hydrotherapy can be as simple as taking a bath in Epsom salts. There are many different types of hydrotherapy, though, and some require special equipment. Steam rooms, whirlpools, ice baths, and aquatic physiotherapy are all examples of how water, in all its various forms, can be used to treat different medical conditions. Let’s look at some ways you can use hydrotherapy on your own to improve your health.

• Take a bracing winter swim. A study published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that regular winter swimming was beneficial in a number of ways, decreasing tension and fatigue while boosting mood and memory. For those with conditions like rheumatism, fibromyalgia, or asthma, winter swimming significantly improved pain. However, it also improves the general well-being of swimmers.
• A contrast shower can help you wake up while fighting depression and anxiety. A cold shower has long been known to wake people up, but a contrast shower can do that while also boosting your metabolism, mental focus, and energy. To take a contrast shower, switch between hot and cold water, turning the tap from hot to cold for 60 to 90 seconds every few minutes. This causes your body to produce more white blood cells, boosts your circulatory system, burns fat for fuel, and releases noradrenaline and endorphins to alleviate depression and anxiety.
• To get the most out of a bath, turn your time in the tub into a hydrotherapy session. Make the temperature warm but not hot, and get rid of all distractions. Dry brush your skin to remove dead skin cells and boost your circulation before you get in the water. Add Epsom salts to the bathwater to reduce muscle soreness and help you relax, and try infusing your bath with herbs for further soothing and nourishment. A drop of essential oil can also improve the mood, and once you’ve finished bathing, make sure to moisturize with natural products.
• When you’re feeling stuffy, have a steam bath. All you need is a bowl of hot water, placed on a sturdy surface, with eucalyptus, chamomile, or your favorite essential oils added. Drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and hold your fae above the water for five to 15 minutes to help clear congestion and soothe your skin.
• A water workout can be therapeutic. Aqua aerobics are wonderful for people with joint problems like arthritis, and there are also aqua yoga poses that can be done in your pool. Even if you don’t feel like doing a full workout, treading cook water can stimulate your immunes response and improve your circulation.
• Make the most of a foot soak. Cool water can help rid you of excess fluids by improving your circulation, and a warm soak can alleviate stress. Want something invigorating, Try resting your feet in a bowl of warm water before quickly dipping them in cold water for 10 seconds. Put on fuzzy socks afterwards and give your feet a nice massage.

Is there anyone who should not use hydrotherapy? In fact, it isn’t right for everyone, especially the types of hydrotherapy with sudden changes in temperature. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, kidney disease, epilepsy, an open wound or skin infection, a fever, or you’re pregnant, talk to your doctor before trying hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy in your own back yard can be extremely beneficial, so when you’re ready to own a pool, call Aaron Pools. Established in 1972, this family-owned-and-operated business has a dedicated, award-winning team with over 400 years of combined experience. We love to help improve the quality time that families spend together at home, and that’s why we’ve installed more than 2,000 swimming pools and hot tubs, from Cape Cod to Connecticut. For the best possible service from our highly experienced installation team, call 508.996.3320 or contact us today.