Hydrotherapy can help children and adults who are susceptible to loss of strength and loss of muscle volume because of their inability to move independently. Thanks to the weightlessness of the water, they can stand and walk on their own during the therapy sessions. This provides freedom of movement and a wide range of health benefits. Here's how and why.

Hydrotherapy: what does it involve?

In simple terms, hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, arthritis and rheumatic conditions. The use of water for therapeutic purposes dates back to the ancient Greeks and is integral to many traditional systems of medicine.

So how is this different from regular swimming?

First,hydrotherapy is performed in warm or cold water, harnessing the ability of nerves to carry what it feels deeper into the skin. The temperature in the hot water pool is normally between 33 and 36 ºC, much warmer than a typical pool. Hot water relaxes muscles and is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation and muscle pain. Cold water stimulates and tones the body's internal activity.

Secondly, it is about specific exercises adapted to each individual according to the symptoms. Exercises consist of slow, controlled movements and include relaxation exercises, gentle stretching, strengthening exercises against water resistance, flotation exercises and movement.

Hydrotherapy treatments are often available in a hospital's physiotherapy department, where a physical therapist with specialized training presents the exercises. Training and support ensures that the needs of each individual are met.

What are the benefits?

Hydrotherapy is not only relaxing, but it can also be fun, especially for children. Most importantly, it helps strengthen the movement and balance of weak muscle groups. This improves both physical fitness and overall mobility.

In addition, it improves posture, reduces muscle tension and relieves pain.The weightlessness that a person feels in water not only relieves tension in the limbs, it also supports sore muscles and facilitates movement. In many ways, hydrotherapy acts as a natural pain reliever, as it stimulates the release of endorphins, which helps ease tension and control pain.

Slow movements and relaxation exercises reduce the risk of stressthus contributing to reduce high blood pressure Which can be caused by stress. They also reduce muscle spasms, allowing for even greater relaxation.

Other benefits include improved coordination and balance, increased metabolic rate and digestion, and decreased pain from swelling.

Who can benefit?

There are different types of hydrotherapy, which means that many people with different illnesses can benefit from it. Some types are baths and showers, neutral baths and steam inhalation.

Movement-based hydrotherapy is primarily used for muscle and joint injuries and can be beneficial for children and adults who may have difficulty controlling their movements due to stiffness, instability, and involuntary movements. It can also be helpful for people with other neurological conditions, including muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.   

Children who may be losing strength, muscle mass, and flexibility because of theirinability to move independently benefit fromhydrotherapy because they are kept inwaterand are therefore able to move their limbs. Spontaneous movement in water is more feasible than movement on land.

Aquatic exercise can be appealing to children because of the buoyancy of the water, which reduces joint loading and mitigates the negative effects of poor postural control and balance. The use of hot water in a relaxing environment has the therapeutic effect of alleviating the discomfort of physical impairment while maintaining a greater range of motion.

There is no doubt that the healing properties of hydrotherapy have the ability to put a smile on the face of a happy, relaxed child who manages to reach new milestones. For many children and adults, hydrotherapy is a great way to lead a more active and healthier life.