Hydrotherapy and Arthritis Treatment

When the body is immersed in water, there is less strain on the weight bearing joints, and this gives a feeling of comfort, relaxation and lightness of being. This takes place in both cold and hot water. Professional hydrotherapy for arthritis, however, is typically carried out in a hot pool. It has been known since before Roman times that water therapy can bring benefit and relief for arthritis. Hydrotherapy was developed in Austrian in the early 19th century at the water university. Toward the end of that century a Bavarian priest classified the therapeutic uses of water and today some centers still offer it. Today, it is available at many hospitals and clinics.

How it works - Hydrotherapy, an increasingly popular treatment for arthritis conditions of all kinds, works in two distinct but related ways. Firstly, it gives instant relief of pain and a sense of increased wellbeing and, secondly, being immersed in water allows greater joint mobility while you are actually in the water. For this reason, hydrotherapy is almost always combined with gentle exercise while the joints have this increased mobility. After the exercise session, more hydrotherapy encourages the joints and muscles to relax in a soothing, comforting way.

Relaxing in a hot bath is a form of hydrotherapy in itself, but special hydrotherapy pools are available for use by arthritis sufferers. These are hotter than ordinary swimming pools, and are staffed by physiotherapists or other health care professionals who are expert in treating this condition. Specialized care - Hydrotherapy and exercise sessions should be carried out under the supervision of a health care professional. Otherwise, there is a risk that the joints will be exercised beyond their natural capacity, resulting in more harm than good.

For the treatment to be effective, it is important that the water should be at the correct temperature, as water that is too hot or too cold will not be beneficial and may even restrict mobility. This especially applies if a joint is acutely inflamed. In addition, the skin can be damaged by water that is too hot. For this treatment, you need to book a session or course of sessions at a hydrotherapy pool.

A visit to a spa - Some spas and health farms has pools that are adapted for arthritis sufferers. Treatment in adapted pools or baths may be combined with a hot seaweed or mud wrap afterward to reduce inflammation still further. Good luck with your arthritis treatment.