HYDROTHERAPY

DR MANISH RAY (PT)

OBJECTIVES
• Definition of Hydrotherapy
• Properties of Water
• Types of Hydrotherapy
• Uses of Hydrotherapy
• Effects of Hydrotherapy
• Contraindications, Precautions and Adverse Effects
• Adverse Effects of Hydrotherapy
• Selection of Hydrotherapy Modality
• Aquatic therapy
Definition of Hydrotherapy
Application of water,
internally or externally,
for the treatment of physical
or psychological dysfunction.
Properties of
Water
Properties of Water
Selection of Hydrotherapy
• Immersive

1. Local
2. Complete

• Non-immersive
Selection and Application of Hydrotherapy
Base decision on
 Desired effects
 Size of area to be treated
 Allowance for safety
 control of infection
 Cost-effectiveness
General Rules
 Assess problem and set goals of
treatment
 Determine if most appropriate
treatment
 Make sure no contraindications
 Select appropriate form of
hydrotherapy•
Whirlpool, Hubbard Tank, Contrast bath,
Non-immersion device, Aquatic Therapy
Whirlpool Bath
The Low Boy Tank can be used to
allow and adult to sit in the tank and can
range in capacity from 75 to 105 gallons.

The High Boy Tank, sometimes referred to

as a hip or leg tank, can allow for the
immersion of both lower extremities.
Capacity can range from 60 to 105 gallons
Turbine

Adjustable height, direction, aeration.

Should be grounded

Do NOT run without water in tank.

Hubbard Tank

8 feet long x 6 feet wide, 4 feet deep

 425 gallons water

 Turbines, stretcher, hoist

 Expensive secondary to amount of

water, time to clean
Temperature Range
 Cold (32-79° F) for Acute  Mild warmth (96-98⁰) to Increase mobility
inflammation

 Burn Hot (99-104°)Pain,• Increase ROM•

 Tepid (79-92° F) for Exercise, Increase soft tissue extensibility
Acute inflammation if cold not
tolerated
 Very Hot (104-110º)• Limited body area •
Chronic conditions-

 Neutral warmth (92-96° F)•

Open wound, Medically
DO NOT use WP at temperatures >
compromised patients, 110° F !!
Decrease tone
Contrast Bath
• Alternative immersion

• Mostly used for Distal Parts

• Uses

a) Pain Relief
b) Decrease Oedema
c) Decrease sensitivity
Disinfecting the Tank
Levels of disinfection
A. Low level
Intact skin, 70-90% ethyl alcohol, sodium hypochloride, bleach germicidal
solution

B. Intermediate Level
70-90% ethyl alcohol, phenolic germicidal detergent

C. High Level
Chlorine-based products can corrode tank
Non-immersion Techniques
Fluid Delivered at 4-15 psi
What if more or less pressures used?
(PulsaVac)
Aquatic Therapy
• Vast term for various types of exercises in Water

• Started in 1200AD at Pfafers in Hot springs in Switzerland

• Evolved with time and therapeutic use increased

• Types of application of Aquatic therapy

Water Specific Therapy
• Halliwick concept was developed by James McMillan

• Halliwick School Started for crippled girls in 1950

• 10 point Programme developed (1974)

• Halliwick splits into 2 directions(2007)

1. Recreational
2. Therapeutic
 Water Specific Therapy

• Mental adjustment Dynamic

• Saggital rotation control
• Transverse rotation control
• Longitudinal rotation control
• Combined rotation control
• Simple Progression
• Basic movements
 Water Specific Therapy

• Up-thrust • Static
• Balance in stillness
• Turbulent gliding
Bad Ragaz Ring Method
Bad Ragaz Ring Method
• Bad Ragaz ring method is an ACTIVE treatment technique with adapted
resistance to the patient needs.

• The technique requires high skill and accuracy by the therapist

• Therefore, Exact knowledge of the concept and refined gripping techniques are
compulsory for the success of BRRM
Ai Chi
• Ai Chi is a form of aquatic exercise used for recreation, relaxation, fitness, and
physical rehabilitation.

• Clinical Ai Chi is distinguished as a specialized active form of aquatic therapy.

• Ai Chi uses breathing techniques and progressive resistance training in water to

relax and strengthen the body, based on elements of qigong and Tai chi chuan.
Watsu
• Water + Shiatsu
• Passive Relaxation technique