Hydrotherapy exists in many other variations, for instance the NHS often uses physical therapy performed in water for post operation rehabilitation. Treatment applied in these kinds of heated pools utilise the warmth to relax the muscles, the buoyancy to resist movement and the weightlessness helps to decrease stress and pain on the joints.
Other methods include:
Colonic hydrotherapy – a process which involves flushing water through the bowels to eliminate toxins and cleanse the colon.
Sitz bath – individuals are immersed up to hip level in water which is either cold or alternating between hot and cold. This is particularly effective for issues which affect the abdomen, reproductive system, intestinal pains, kidney pains, menstrual disorder, haemorrhoids and abdominal cramps.
Hydro massage – jets of water positioned at various heights which correspond to certain body areas, with a similar effect to that of massage.
Wraps – the individual receiving treatment will be wrapped in cold wet sheets before then being covered with dry blankets and towels which are removed within an hour. This treatment is good for muscle pain, skin disorders and colds.
Compress – similarly to wraps, the individual receiving treatment is wrapped in towels or sheets which are soaked in hot or cold water. The cold causes the blood vessels near the skin to constrict which diverts blood to inner areas. The hot dilates blood vessels which improves circulation from tissues, relieving any inflammations.