What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is the new name for a treatment that has an ancient root since the benefits of hydrotherapy have been recognized from the dawn of humanity. 
The healing power of the water and the therapeutic external use of water for medical purposes was one of the earliest forms of rehabilitation. 
Natural spring, baths, pools and spas were always playing an important social and spiritual part in human’s society, especially for the sick and suffering.  
Records dating back to 2400 BC are showing that ancient civilizations acknowledged the healing power of natural hot and cold springs. Long back in 400 BC., the Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed bathing and drinking spring water for its therapeutic effects and the Romans built many outstanding communal baths. 
We know that water is not just for cleansing, as it can also make us feel better. When we immersed into our tub of hot water, after a demanding day, we then feel much better, as hot water relieves fatigue and prevents stiffness.
In the last few centuries there was a renaissance in understanding of the profound biological and emotional effects of aquatic immersion.
The worldwide increased interest in hydrotherapy resulted in a huge progression and development, giving birth to a many modalities and new forms of aquatic therapy.

Aquatic physiotherapy: Hot trend in warm water
Aquatic Physiotherapy, often called hydrotherapy is a specific form of physiotherapy treatment conducted in a heated pool.
Combining hands-on Aquatic Physiotherapy treatment techniques and specific exercises supervised by a specially trained APA physiotherapist, Aquatic Physiotherapy can help mobilise joints, relieve pain, promote relaxation, strengthen muscles, develop balance and coordination, and improve general fitness.
What is Aquatic Physiotherapy?
Aquatic Physiotherapy, often called hydrotherapy is a specific form of physiotherapy treatment conducted in a heated pool.
Aquatic Physiotherapy can help relieve pain, promote relaxation, improve flexibility, mobilize joints, strengthen muscles, develop balance and coordination, and improve general fitness.
Aquatic Physiotherapy treatment (individually or in groups) incorporates individual assessment, diagnosis and the use of clinical reasoning skills to formulate a treatment program appropriate to each patient’s needs.
Combining hands-on pool based physiotherapy treatment techniques and specifically designed exercises supervised by physiotherapists with specific training in Aquatic Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy helps regain or enhance physical well being in a warm relaxing environment.
A series of gentle exercises (distinct from swimming or aqua-aerobics) carried out in a heated pool (34ºC) allow greater comfort and range of movement as the water supports body weight. Exercises can be progressed safely using the resistance of the water to strengthen the muscles and improve stability. The warmth increases circulation, reduces muscle-spasm and helps to relieve pain.
Patients do not need to be able to swim in order to benefit from Aquatic Physiotherapy.
Aquatic Physiotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other rehabilitation programs. A hydrotherapy program is often a stepping stone for patients to progress onto gym or land based exercise programs. The rehabilitation program can also include appropriate exercises to maintain fitness, while recovering from sports injuries or orthopedic surgery.

Conditions Aquatic Physiotherapy can benefit
•    Back pain/sciatica/lumbar instability 
•    Whiplash and other neck pain 
•    Sports injuries 
•    Balance/coordination problems 
•    Shoulder and arm pain 
•    Osteoarthritis 
•    Rheumatoid arthritis 
•    Fibromyalgia and chronic pain 
•    Ankylosing spondylitis and specific movements restrictions  
•    Parkinson’s Disease and stroke 
•    Cerebral Palsy 
•    Osteoporosis 
•    Back and Pelvic pain during pregnancy 
•    Work and accident related injuries 
•    Rehabilitation after fractures including: ankles, wrists, knees, hips, shoulders and the spine 
•    Rehabilitation after joint replacement and tendon repair 

Aquatic Physiotherapy brings pain relief, combined with long lasting improvements in joint mobility and muscle strength.

Physical properties of warm water
•    Warmth 
•    Buoyancy 
•    Resistance 
•    Turbulence 
•    Hydrostatic Pressure 

Therapeutic effects of exercise in warm water
•    Muscular relaxation and decreased muscle spasm 
•    Decreased pain due to warmth and support. Gravity is countered by buoyancy 
•    Increased muscle strength due to the greater resistance in water 
•    Heart rate is lower when exercising in water, allowing increased development of fitness and endurance 
•    Improvement in swelling due to hydrostatic pressure 
•    Enhanced balance and stabilization 
•    Improved enjoyment and confidence to move better 


Main Aquatic Therapies: 

•    Halliwick 
•    The Bad Ragaz Ring method 
•    Aquatic Aerobic 
•    Aquatic Bodywork, Ai Chi (Water Tai Chi)