Introduction
Hydrotherapy utilizes the properties of water, such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, and resistance to improve physiological functions. It may help patients who have problems of balance, muscle weakness, edema, and limitation of joint movement.
Application
This therapy is indicated for patients with brain injury, spinal cord injury, muscular disease, delayed development, sports injury, lymphedema, and after orthopaedic surgery, etc.
- Relaxation exercise in the water: The tense muscles of patients will relax after gentle exercises in a pool filled with 36oC water.
- Halliwick method: We apply the Halliwick method for patients with balance problems.
- Gait training in water: Natural scientific properties of water; buoyancy, gravity, pressure, and warming and cooling properties provide an ideal environment for gait training.
- Lymphedema: Pool therapy with water 25oC ∼28oC will reduce the lymphedema of patients.
- Whirlpool bath therapy: Whirlpool bath therapy applies a rotating water force on the patient's extremities or whole body.