What is and what exercises are practiced in hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic physiotherapy or aqua therapy, is a therapeutic activity that consists of performing exercises in a pool with heated water, around 34ºC, to accelerate the recovery of injured athletes or patients with arthritis, for example.

Generally, hydrotherapy is performed by a physical therapist and is widely used by pregnant women and the elderly because it helps in the treatment of:

• Arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatism; Orthopedic problems such as fractures or herniated discs; Muscle injuries; Joint pain; Swelling in the legs; Breathing difficulty; Neurological problems.

Hydrotherapy for pregnant women should be indicated by the obstetrician and is usually used to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the legs and decrease pain in the back, feet and knees, for example. Learn other ways to relieve discomfort in late pregnancy.

What are the benefits

In hydrotherapy, due to the properties of water, it is possible to reduce the load caused by the weight of the body on the joints and bones while maintaining resistance, allowing muscle growth, but without causing injury in other parts of the body. In addition, heated water allows muscle relaxation and pain relief.

Hydrotherapy helps to reduce posture problems and transmits a feeling of well-being, improving the body image of individuals and increasing self-esteem. It also contributes to:

• Strengthening of muscles; Relief of muscle or joint pain; Improved balance and motor coordination; Promotion of muscle relaxation; Decreased sleep disorders; Reduced stress and anxiety; Increased joint amplitudes;

In addition, hydrotherapy also contributes to improving the cardiorespiratory system, as well as water aerobics, in which the exercises practiced are more intense. Know how to distinguish water aerobics from hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy exercises

There are several techniques and therapeutic aquatic hydrotherapy exercises, which must be accompanied by a physiotherapist, such as:

1. Bad ragaz

This technique is used to strengthen and re-educate the muscles and to promote the stretching of the trunk. Generally, the therapist stands and the patient uses floats on the cervical, pelvis and, if necessary, ankle and wrist.

Typically, this method is used in people with injuries to the Central Nervous System, orthopedic disorders or people who have a decreased range of motion, weakness, pain or low back pain.

2. Integral aquatic relaxation

This technique uses the properties of heated water, between 33º and 35ºC, having relaxing effects on the Autonomic Nervous System. During exercise, trunk rotation and stretching is promoted, with rhythmic and repeated movements, decreasing visual, auditory and sensory stimuli.

Generally, this technique is indicated for people with orthopedic problems, after spinal surgery, low back pain, with repeated strain injuries and occupational diseases related to work and for people with decreased range or pain in movements or people with neurological problems.

3. Watsu

Watsu is also performed in a pool of warm water, around 35ºC, using specific techniques in which movements, touches and stretches are performed, unlocking points of physical and mental tension. In these sessions, specific exercises are performed that take into account the person's breathing and position.

This method is indicated for cases of physical and mental stress, fear, anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, migraine, lack of disposition, depression, acute and chronic tensions, pregnant women, people with emotional blocks, among others.

4. Halliwick

Also called the 10-point program, it is a process in which the patient works on breathing, balance and movement control, thus improving motor learning and functional independence, making the person more apt to initiate and perform difficult movements and activities. carried out on the ground.

This method is performed with voluntary movements of the person, even if he has a lack of mobility.