Hydrotherapy - An Outline

I. Hydrotherapy

1. The use of water, ( 3 forms: solid, liquid or steam ) in the treatment of disease or trauma
2. It accomplishes its results through external application and can be used on localized areas of the body, as well as on the entire body.
3. The effects of treatments are non toxic.
4. It increases the metabolism to get rid of toxins already present in the body.
5. After a hydrotherapy treatment there is a feeling of well-being.

II. Compared to drugs

1. Medications are not selective.
2. All medications are finally destroyed by the liver, burned in the metabolic processes, or
   excreted by the excretory systems putting a tax on these organs.
3. Drugs, for the most, can add toxic chemicals to the body.
4. Drugs, for the most part, lack the ability of giving a feeling of well being and may
   even produce the reverse.
   

III. Benefits

1. Effects the circulatory system. ( blood flow )
2. Increases and stimulates the immune system.
3. May soothe the nervous system, or stimulate it depending on treatment.

IV. Physical properties of water

1. Abundant
2. Inexpensive
3. Easy to apply
4. Ability to give off and absorb large amounts of heat
5. Conducts heat fast

V. Important points to observe

1. The room
   1. Warm
   2. Free of drafts
   3. Protect furniture, bedding, rugs, etc.
   4. No bright light in patient’s eyes
2. The treatment
   1. Think and plan ahead just what you intend to do.
   2. Assemble all necessary articles before starting.
   3. Spread drape sheet over table before patient undresses.
   4. Stay with patient or within easy calling distance.
   5. Don’t be too talkative.
   6. Observe the effects of the treatment.
   7. Make the changes quickly.
   8. Be neat; pick up and clean up as you work.
   9. Be economical of time, linen, etc.
   10. Return all material to proper place.
3. The Patient
   1. Must be warm to start a treatment. (Cover, exercise, hot foot bath, etc. )
   2. When heating a patient use a cold compress to the head or neck.
   3. No unnecessary exposure ( only to parts under immediate treatment. )
   4. After treatment dry patient thoroughly.
   5. Patient should be comfortable at all times.
   6. Keep patient relaxed.
   7. Allow and demand a rest period after a treatment.
   8. Avoid chilling after a treatment.
   9. Must be in a state of heat conservation before dressing.
   10. Most treatments require patient to undress.
   11. Explain process to patient, what is coming next, and what reaction to expect.

VI. Causes and Hydrotherapy Treatments for Various Illnesses

Common Cold

1. Causes
   1. Sitting in draft
   2. Improper dress
   a. arms, legs and feet not kept warm
   b. obstruction of circulation or ventilation
   3. Sitting or sleeping in poorly ventilated room
   4. Overwork and exhaustion
   5. Misconception that outside air is harmful
   6. Drug takers are more likely to catch colds
2. Prevention
   1. Cold or tepid bath every day, or a hot / cold shower
   a. Improves the circulation
   b. Invigorates the mind and body
   c. Increases the white blood count and stimulates the immune system
   d. Cleans the skin pores
   2. Sleep in well ventilated room
   3. Dress properly
   4. Proper diet
   a. Limited sweets
   b. Limit the variety at meals
   5. Exercise in the fresh air
3. Treatment of Colds
   1. Pure fresh air
   2. Do not stay in a room that is excessively hot
   3. Judicious yet brisk exercise in the open air
   4. Drink plenty of water
   5. Stay away from sweets
   6. Take contrast showers or hot tub bath

Headache

1. Treatments:
   1. Cold compress on the forehead and neck
   2. Hot shower
   3. Hot foot bath with cold compress to head and neck (20 min.)

Stress or Insomnia

1. Treatments:
   1. Neutral shower ( 94-97 degrees F. )
   2. Hot and Cold shower ( end on cold )
   3. Hot foot bath
   4. Neutral tub bath ( 94-97 degrees F. )

SoreThroat

1. Treatments:
   1. Gargles— alternating with hot salt water, as hot as can be tolerated, and
   cold charcoal water, one tablet to a glass every few hours
   2. Alternating hot and cold pack to the throat
   3. Place cool damp cotton cloth on throat and cover with a wool scarf over night
   4. Hot and cold shower

Sinusitis

1. Treatments:
   1. Alternating hot and cold packs to the face
   2. Heat lamp or infrared to face
   3. Steam inhalations for 3 min. with alternating of face into cold water for 20 sec.
   4. Hot and cold shower
   

Joint Disorder

1. Treatments:
   1. Heating compresses with or without counter-irritant ointments, to specific acutely painful joints overnight
   2. Hot tub bath
   3. Ice massage
   4. Hot and cold (contrast ) bath
   5. Salt glow
   6. Paraffin bath (only after proper instruction from doctor or therapist )