Hydrotherapy is a form of therapy that uses water to help treat pain, improve movement, and support physical rehabilitation. It can be used for medical treatment, exercise, or relaxation.

How hydrotherapy works

        -       Buoyancy – reduces body weight and joint stress, making movement easier

        -       Warmth – relaxes muscles and improves blood flow

        -       Resistance – water provides gentle resistance to build strength

        -       Hydrostatic pressure – helps reduce swelling and improve circulation

Types of hydrotherapy

        -       Warm water therapy pools (most common in rehab)

        -       Whirlpool or Jacuzzi therapy

        -       Contrast baths (alternating warm and cold water)

        -       Cold water therapy (for inflammation or sports injuries)

        -       Aquatic exercise therapy

Common uses

        -       Arthritis and joint pain

        -       Back and neck pain

        -       Sports injuries

        -       Post-surgery rehabilitation

        -       Muscle stiffness and spasms

        -       Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke recovery)

Benefits                                                              

        -       Reduces pain and stiffness

        -       Improves flexibility and range of motion

        -       Enhances muscle strength with low joint impact

        -       Promotes relaxation and stress relief

        -       Helps balance and coordination

Contraindications of Hydrotherapy

Absolute contraindications (DO NOT use)

        -       Open wounds, ulcers, or unhealed surgical incisions

        -       Active skin infections (fungal, bacterial, or viral)

        -       Contagious diseases

        -       Severe cardiac conditions (e.g., unstable angina, recent heart attack)

        -       Uncontrolled high blood pressure

        -       Severe respiratory disorders

        -       Fever or acute infection

        -       Incontinence (fecal or urinary)

        -       Uncontrolled epilepsy

        -       Severe peripheral vascular disease

Relative contraindications (use with caution & medical supervision)

        -       Pregnancy (especially hot water immersion)

        -       Diabetes with poor sensation or circulation

        -       Kidney disease

        -       Multiple sclerosis (heat sensitivity)

        -       Varicose veins or thrombophlebitis

        -       Recent surgery (until wounds heal)

        -       Hypotension (risk of dizziness)

        -       Fear of water (aqua phobia)

Temperature-related cautions

        -       Hot water: avoid in inflammation, pregnancy, heart disease

        -       Cold water: avoid in Raynaud’s disease, cold hypersensitivity

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors of hydrotherapy are conditions or situations that increase the chance of complications or adverse effects during water-based therapy.

Medical risk factors

        -       Heart disease (water pressure increases cardiac workload)

        -       Uncontrolled blood pressure (hot water may cause sudden changes)

        -       Respiratory disorders (difficulty breathing in warm, humid air)

        -       Diabetes (reduced sensation → risk of burns or injury)

        -       Neurological disorders (poor balance or seizure risk)

        -       Poor circulation / vascular disease

        -       Kidney disease (fluid balance issues)

        -       Pregnancy (especially with hot water immersion)

Skin & infection risks

        -       Open wounds or recent surgery

        -       Skin infections

        -       Weakened immune system

        -       Poor pool hygiene (risk of bacterial or fungal infections)

Physical & environmental risk factors

        -       Slippery surfaces (falls)

        -       Water temperature extremes (burns or hypothermia)

        -       Poor supervision

        -       Improper pool depth

        -       Fatigue or overexertion

Therapy-related risk factors

        -       Prolonged sessions

        -       Incorrect exercise intensity

        -       Unsuitable water temperature

        -       Inadequate patient screening

Possible complications        

        -       Dizziness or fainting

        -       Burns (hot water)

        -       Muscle cramps

        -       Breathing difficulty

        -       Infection

        -       Falls or injuries

MOHAMMED IRSHAD MK
Physiotherapist
Dr. P. Alikutty’s Ayurveda and Modern Hospital - Kottakkal