Hydrotherapy

Excerpts from the entry on Hydrotherapy in Relieving Pain Naturally by Dr. Sylvia Goldfarb and Roberta W. Waddell. For full entries on all 37 conditions and 27 treatments, order the book.

Hydrotherapy is the use of all three forms of water (liquid, steam, and ice) to treat what ails you. Its name is derived from Hydro, the Greek word for water, and there are two main therapeutic water methods. Hydrotherapy refers to the passive method, and aquatic therapy is the active method. Passive therapy involves relaxing in a warm or hot bath or shower, a Jacuzzi, or alternating hot and cold, a method known as contrast hydrotherapy, while in active therapy, exercises are performed in water, often under the supervision of a physical therapist. (Discussed separately in Physical Therapy entry.) Both methods can be effective for the same condition.

Also in this entry:

• The History of Hydrotherapy
• How Hydrotherapy Works
• Painful Conditions that Respond Well to Hydrotherapy
• Advantages of Hydrotherapy
• How to Use Hydrotherapy
• Cautions
• Clinical Studies

See below for full list of all conditions and treatments in the book. Or, download a complete Condition entry or Treatment entry for free.