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Hydrotherapy and Arthritis Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of a range of conditions, including arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.
What is hydrotherapy, and how is it different from swimming? Swimming has many health benefits, and particularly helps people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders because the water supports their joints while they are exercising. Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of a range of conditions, including arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Hydrotherapy differs from swimming because it involves special exercises which take place in a warm-water pool, usually within a hospital physiotherapy department. The water temperature is usually 33–37ºC, which is warmer than normal swimming pools. The warm temperature of the water allows muscles to relax and eases the pain in joints. This makes it easier to exercise. The water supports a person’s weight, helping to relieve joint pain and can also increase the range of movement.. Pushing arms and legs against the water also improves muscle strength. Usually people who have arthritis in several joints find most benefit from hydrotherapy because all the joints can be exercised easily in the warm supportive water. Hydrotherapy also helps people who feel pain when walking, since the water provides extra support. Hydrotherapy is sometimes used after joint replacement surgery and for people with back pain or ankylosing spondylitis. You do not have to be able to swim to have hydrotherapy. The pool is quite shallow, so you can exercise well within your depth. Buoyancy aids are also available, and there will always be a physiotherapist in the pool and an assistant on the side of the pool Hydrotherapy is one of the safest treatments for arthritis and back pain. The warmth of the water and the exercise may make you feel tired after treatment. This is normal.
When is hydrotherapy not appropriate? With certain medical conditions hydrotherapy may not be suitable. These include:
Source : Arthritis Research Campaign - http://www.arc.org.uk/arthinfo/patpubs/6254/6254.asp
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