Hydrotherapy

1. Hydrotherapy Healing Through Water

2. Introduction to Hydrotherapy • Learn and understand the core principles of hydrotherapy • Work with hot, cold, and neutral temperatures safety and effectively • Identify contraindications for hydrotherapy applications • Identify when a client is having an adverse reaction to an application • Demonstrate skills for the application of common hydrotherapy applications

3. Hydrotherapy Defined Hydrotherapy is the use of water for healing Three Forms • Liquid (water) • Solid (ice) • Vapor (steam)

4. Everyday Hydrotherapy

5. Homeostasis and Hydrotherapy • Homeostasis • The ability to maintain internal physiological stability in the face of widely varying environmental temperatures • The body produces heat when the core is cooled • The body increases heat loss when the core is hot • Hydrotherapy • Physiological effects occur as a result of the body’s attempt to return to a constant state

6. Core Principles of Hydrotherapy • The greater the temperature difference between the body and the water, the greater the physiological effect on the body • The length of the application will influence the physiological effect on the body • The larger the body area treated, the greater the physiological effect on the body • Hydrotherapy has both reflexive and physiological effects on the body

7. Hydrotherapy Principle 1 The greater the temperature difference between the body and the water, the greater the physiological effect on the body • Pulse rate • Metabolism • Body temp • WBC • Agitation • Blood alkalinity Mild tonic effect Bath A: 97°F The client and the therapist will not notice any physiological effect from the treatment Bath B: 110°F Both the client and the therapist will readily notice intense physiological effects from the treatment © 2007 Anne E. Williams

8. Hydrotherapy Principle 2 The length of the application will influence the physiological effect on the body Vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation Blood held at the body’s core – Vasodilation occurs at 20 minutes in an attempt to warm the body (the hunting reaction) Bath A: Very Cold—Less Than One Minute Client feels invigorated and refreshed Bath B: Very Cold—Longer Application (15–20 Minutes) The physiological processes of the body are depressed, and hypothermia sets in. The client could die © 2007 Anne E. Williams

9. Hydrotherapy Principle 3 The larger the body area treated, the greater the physiological effect on the body Treatment A: Full-Body Immersion in a Cold Bath Treatment B: Application of an Ice Pack to the Quadriceps Muscles © 2007 Anne E. Williams

10. Hydrotherapy Principle 4 Hydrotherapy has reflexive as well as physiological effects on the body Nervous system reaction to the treatment Reflex reaction due to a segmental connection Both the skin and affected viscera receive sensory innervation from the same segment of the spinal cord Heat applied to the abdomen will decrease the activity of the intestines © 2007 Anne E. Williams

11. Water Temperatures (Table 4-1) © 2007 Anne E. Williams

12. Perspiration Increased local blood flow Tissue will flush Increased pulse rate Increased metabolism Increased O2 consumption in body tissue Increased white blood cell count Stimulates immune system Relaxes muscles Decreased muscle spasm Increased range of motion Decreased pain Short applications Stimulate Long applications Sedate Effects of Heat

13. Neutral Applications • Tonic • Balancing • Soothe the nervous system • Effective treatment for • Insomnia • Nervous irritability • Anxiety • Depression

14. Decreased local blood flow Decreased tissue metabolism Decreased edema Increased numbing Decreased pain Initial increase in the respiratory rate Initial increase in blood pressure Initial increase in heart rate Respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure gradually drop Increased muscle tone Short applications Stimulate Long applications Sedate Effects of Cold

15. Contrasting Temperatures • A hot pack and then a cold pack to the same body area in patterns of three • Alternating cycles of vasoconstriction and vasodilation help to “clean” the tissue Vascular Flush 3 minutes of hot 1 minute of cold 3 minutes of hot 1 minute of cold 3 minutes of hot 1 minute of cold

16. Mechanical Effects of Water • Refers to the force of pressurized water on the skin’s surface and on the muscle tissue • Reduces muscular tension • Stimulates function • Increases vital energy

17. Hydrostatic Effects • Refers to the movement of fluid from one body area to another, thus reducing congestion in a specific area Congestion

18. Contraindications • Hot and cold hydrotherapy is contraindicated for individuals who have serious conditions • Heart • Circulatory system • Nervous system • Systemic conditions • Open wounds • Rashes • Instead • Moderate temperatures • Shorter time frames Elderly or weakened client 15 minutes maximum in saunas, steams, tubs, showers Healthy client 20–30 minutes in saunas, steams, tubs, showers

19. Why? Contraindications • Why would a hot application be contraindicated for a client who has high blood pressure? • Why would a cold application be contraindicated for a client with diabetes?

20. Light-headedness Nausea Headache Dizziness Increased pain Agitation Warning Signs Monitor clients while they relax at a normal temperature If symptoms persist, consult a physician If symptoms rapidly worsen call 911

21. Methods of Application Overview © 2007 Anne E. Williams

22. Hot Packs • Hydrocollator pack • Canvas casing filled with clay • Long-lasting heat • Wrap in a minimum of 4–6 layers of towels • Place on the body area for up to 20 minutes One of the most effective hot packs is the Hydrocollator pack shown here

23. Cold Packs Gel filled Homemade ice packs Thin layer of insulation 20 minutes maximum Ice Massage Commercial ice cup Homemade Styrofoam cup filled with water and frozen Circular motions for 20 minutes Cold Packs & Ice Massage

24. The Hydrotherapy Tub • Multiple air and water jets • Additives might be used to enhance the bath • Aromatherapy • Seaweed • Mud or clay • Herbs • Proper sanitation of the bath is important

25. Steam Baths • The heat and moist air of the steam facilitate perspiration and help the body to detoxify • Many forms • Steam rooms • Steam shower • Steam cabinet • Steam canopy

26. Sauna Combines hot air (170–210˚F) with low humidity • Stimulates metabolism • Increases core body temperature • Facilitates detoxification

27. Therapeutic Showers Four Main Types • Vichy • Swiss • Hand held • Standard • Purpose • Remove product • Warm tissue • Cool tissue • Stimulate tissue © 2007 Anne E. Williams

28. Scotch Hose • A Scotch hose directs a strong stream of water at the client to increase circulation, stimulate function, tone muscles, decrease pain, and decrease congestion in a particular body area

29. Direction of the Scotch Hose Treatment

30. Classic Friction • Classical hydrotherapy treatment • Soft and dry (delivered with powder) • Brisk and invigorating (perhaps delivered with wet salt, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol) • Cold Mitt Friction • Boosts immunity • Stimulates vital function • Stimulates circulation • Stimulates lymphatic flow

31. Wet Sheets • Kneipp • Cold wet sheet treatment • Causes a vascular flush to stimulate the function of the body • Kneipp used for a number of conditions • Menstrual cramps • Digestive complaints • Fever • Weakness • Low back pain

32. Discussion Forum • Hydrotherapy What is it? • How does it work? • Good and Bad Effects? • Lets try it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!