Six Medical Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy & Rheumatoid Arthritis

A recent study found that hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for arthritis sufferers. One hundred thirty-nine patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to receive hydrotherapy, seated immersion, land exercise, or progressive relaxation.

Hydrotherapy to reduce swollen ankles

Alternating hot and cold showers to the legs are commonly recommended by Naturopaths to help general circulation in the legs. Researchers at the University of Lund, Malmo General Hospital, Sweden have found that alternating cold and hot water therapy does indeed improve on systolic blood pressure and patients’walking ability. In a prospective case study with repeated measurements before and 1, 4 and 12 months after treatment.

Hydrotherapy improve walking for primary varicose veins

Many naturopaths have traditionally recommended hydrotherapy to aid venous circulation and alleviate symptoms for patients suffering with varicose veins. A research study conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna has found that the traditional wisdom of naturopaths is correct in that hydrotherapy can play an important role in the treatment of primary varicose veins.

Hydrotherapy & pain and wound healing

A study at Southeastern Louisiana University, School of Nursing, USA has found that hydrotherapy can help alleviate pain and assist in wound healing of patients who have undergone major abdominal surgery.

Hydrotherapy & Asthma

Two recent studies have shown that hydrotherapy has a role to play in the treatment of asthma. In one study (1) conducted at the Division of Medicine, Misasa Medical Branch, Okayma University Medical School, the clinical effects of spa therapy (swimming training in a hot spring pool inhalation of iodine salt solution) were examined in 52 patients with steroid-dependent in-tractable asthma (SDIA). Beneficial clinical effects were found in 36 of the 52 (69.2%) patients with SDIA. The benefits were higher in the patients between the ages of 41 and 50 (87.5%) and between 51 and 60 (84.2%) than in those in the other age groups.

Hydrotherapy & Constipation

The Health Education Council, National Advisory Committee on Nutrition Education (September 1983) reported that 85% of the population have slow bowel movements with as many as 40% of the population in the United Kingdom being regularly constipated. When the colon does not function properly, other elimminating organs (e.g., skin, kidneys, lungs and lymph) become overloaded and subsequently they too become affected. Whilst there have been no clinical trials to our knowledge related to Colonic Hydrotherapy and M.E., there seems little doubt that Colonic Hydrotherapy is indicated whenever there is constipation or any other digestive disorder.