At Eldorado Natural Spring Water, the fluid we’re focused on is the type you consume to hydrate and nourish the body with the minerals it contains. Still, we continually marvel at all the ways water makes life better.
One is the treatment modality called hydrotherapy. You might also hear it referred to as aquatic therapy, pool therapy, or water therapy. Whatever term is used, it’s the practice of immersing your body in a warm-water pool (hence another name you may hear: thermal therapy) and doing exercises or movements at the direction of a doctor or therapist.
Hydrotherapy shouldn’t be confused with water aerobics. The former focuses on slow, controlled movements that address specific physical conditions while simultaneously promoting pain relief, stress relief, and relaxation, while the latter is about more vigorous, high-energy movements to increase the heart rate and improve overall fitness.
Hydrotherapy has been shown to be effective at reducing the symptoms of certain conditions. However, you should not believe claims that it can cure any disease (cancer, cystic fibrosis, etc.) or remove toxins from the body. That’s simply not its function or goal.
Noting again that it doesn’t cure any medical problem, hydrotherapy can help reduce the symptoms of several diseases and conditions, including:
Hydrotherapy may also support better skin health and improved sleep. In addition, it can be helpful in the treatment of burn injuries, specifically as a safe way to clean wounds. Some people who advocate for hydrotherapy recommend using mineral water, and research suggests there may be advantages from doing so. However, you can get health benefits in the form of symptom reduction from any type of water.
Hydrotherapy is often used in conjunction with physical therapy. One reason is that the support provided by water is ideal for those who have injuries that affect weight-bearing structures in the body (leg bones, knee joints, spine, etc.). Patients can perform exercises that put a therapeutic amount of pressure on those structures without overtaxing them.
Another benefit of hydrotherapy in the context of physical therapy is that water provides gentle, consistent resistance. So, for example, if you are rehabbing after shoulder surgery, your doctor or physical therapist might recommend pool sessions to help increase the strength of the repaired (or replaced) joint.
Researchers continue to assess the benefits of hydrotherapy, but two things are already clear: it can effectively address certain symptoms in specific conditions and is safe. There are virtually no side effects of hydrotherapy and essentially no risks when done in a supervised environment.
Whether you seek stress reduction and reduced muscle tension, better sleep, strength and range of motion improvement after surgery, or pain relief, hydrotherapy can be an excellent addition to a treatment plan.
And, of course, any type of physical activity will increase your thirst. So, be sure you have plenty of Eldorado Natural Spring Water on hand to enjoy after your session!