Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy or aquatic therapy, is a form of physical therapy that involves low-impact aerobics, stretching and strengthening exercises as well as functional training performed in water, for example, balance and gait training. It can help people with various neurological, rheumatologic and orthopedic diseases, injuries, chronic pain and disabilities, improve their range of motion, strengthen their muscles and increase their overall physical functions.
There are two main properties of water, namely buoyancy and resistance. Firstly, the buoyancy of the water makes it an ideal environment for rehabilitation. The buoyancy support reduces weight bearing on the joints and bones, decreases pain, and makes it easier to move about and perform exercises. Secondly, the water resistance against motions helps to reduce stiffness, improve joint mobility and stretch and strengthen the muscles. Hence, these benefits of water make hydrotherapy a beneficial tool for:
