Managing Pain of Chronic Illness with Hydrotherapy

by | Jan 7, 2014 | Healthcare

Chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or neck and back pain, may respond well to physical therapy treatments. Because these conditions often require pain management techniques and treatments, people suffering with chronic illness can opt for hydrotherapy instead of traditional therapy. Facilities that cater to pain management in Palm Beach County have the aquatic components necessary to plan and implement a hydrotherapy regimen that can help relieve and manage pain of chronic illness.

Using Water as a Form of Therapy

The use of water for medicinal purposes has been around for centuries. People used to wait in lines at bathing pools in order to submerge themselves into warm water for relief from illnesses and even diseases. As knowledge about water therapy grew, doctors and therapists were able to pinpoint which types of illnesses actually benefitted from water therapy, and patients began to experience the benefits of using water for exercise, massage, and soaks.

Types of Water Therapy

Warmth is known to help ease pain and reduce inflammation, which is why warm water therapy is often used as a technique for pain management. Palm Beach County residents who need pain relief from inflammatory conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis can take part in hydrotherapy sessions at a local facility to try and improve their condition. Hydro massage is another form of water therapy used by some practitioners. Because certain conditions don’t allow for intense manual physical therapy, alternative treatments must be considered.

Hydro massage is either done on a bed or in a pool. A hydro bed is a specially designed bed that uses water pressure to massage your pressure points. You can choose the intensity of the pressure so that you don’t receive a massage that’s too deep for your muscles. A hydrotherapy massage done using jets takes place in a pool or specially designed massage tub. Your therapist will help you place the jets correctly and choose the correct amount of pressure to be released from the jets.

Many physical therapists also conduct aquatic exercises that help you regain strength and mobility. If you suffer from back or neck problems, being able to workout in the water produces less stress on your joints, bones, and muscles while still providing the results you need. Your therapist can also help you with at-home pain management techniques that involve the use of warm water, soaks, or massage. With hydrotherapy pain management, Palm Beach County patients can seek an alternative to pain medications.

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