How Hydrotherapy Soothes Chronic Pain

Hydrotherapy is more than just a long soak in a tub or pool.

When you think of physical therapy, do you picture endless exercises and stretches? While movement and exercise are core components, physical therapy offers so much more, like massage, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy. Also known as aquatic therapy, water therapy, pool therapy, or balneotherapy, hydrotherapy uses water as a therapeutic tool to alleviate pain and aid recovery.

Hydrotherapy can be as simple as soaking in a warm bathtub at home or relaxing in a sauna. It can also take a more advanced approach, such as participating in a water therapy class or sitting in a special tank or pool with water jets. Hydrotherapy has been around since ancient times, but has gained popularity in recent decades. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this water-based treatment.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a water-based treatment that uses the unique properties of water to support physical therapy goals. It can take many forms:

• Warm or cold water therapy
• Specialized tubs with water jets
• Water aerobics classes or guided aquatic therapy sessions

Hydrotherapy is particularly effective in physical therapy for painful, stiff muscles and joints. Warm water can relax and soothe muscles, while cold water helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Water’s buoyancy also reduces joint pressure, making movement easier and less painful.

These attributes make hydrotherapy a good choice for arthritis treatment. Research supports its effectiveness in relieving short-term pain for rheumatoid arthritis patients, though more studies are needed on long-term outcomes. Similarly, hydrotherapy has shown promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis affecting the spine.

The benefits of hydrotherapy

Whether you’re soaking at home in a warm bath with Epsom salts or undergoing guided therapy in a specialized facility, hydrotherapy offers numerous advantages:

1. It’s non-invasive. Hydrotherapy can ease pain and other symptoms without surgery or medications. When done correctly and in a safe environment, it’s considered both effective and low-risk.
2. It helps in recovery.  Whether recovering from orthopedic surgery, an injury, or even an intense workout, hydrotherapy can help your body heal and regain strength. As any dedicated athlete knows, rest and recovery is as important as exercising in staying healthy and strong.
3. It’s a supplement to physical therapy. While hydrotherapy is a valuable supplement, it’s not a standalone treatment. It works best alongside guided exercises and other physical therapy methods. A licensed physical therapist can determine if hydrotherapy suits your condition and what your treatment path should look like.

While hydrotherapy is generally safe, there are some risks to keep in mind. Since you are around water, slips and falls could happen. Burns from hot water and frostbite from cold temperatures are also possible. Moreover, hydrotherapy is not recommended if you have broken skin that could lead to infections when in water.

Lastly, it’s important to note that hydrotherapy is not a cure for any condition. Since the practice is not regulated by the FDA, anyone can make untrue claims about its curative properties, such as its ability to remove toxins from the body. Avoid practitioners who advocate these kinds of claims. Instead, go to a licensed physical therapist or certified provider who specializes in hydrotherapy.

Let us help you conquer chronic pain

At All Sports Physical Therapy, our therapists are trained to help individuals overcome chronic, debilitating pain. From hydrotherapy to tailored exercise plans, our expert therapists will create a personalized treatment plan to help you live pain-free. Contact us today for a consultation.