Spine Experts in Bothell, WA Explain the Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Recovery
Recovery is often the most difficult obstacle to overcome after invasive surgery or injury. At times it can feel like you’ll never be back to normal. You may find yourself surprised to be wanting to return to work, just so you can be free from the pain and discomfort of the recovery process.
Even if you’re only a little uncomfortable, speeding up the healing process is something to take into consideration, especially when there is little or no downside. Luckily, hydrotherapy can not only help you recover faster, but it can also help to ease your mental state and release tension.
What is Hydrotherapy?
Covering a wide range of techniques and types, hydrotherapy is the use of water to aid in recovery, healing, stress reduction, and physical therapy.
For centuries people have been using hydrotherapy to treat a variety of different maladies. You have most likely used hydrotherapy to relax or unwind in your everyday life, even if you didn’t call it by that name. Relaxing in a warm bath or a backyard hot tub is a form of hydrotherapy. However, for the purposes of recovery from surgery or injury, you should seek a professional therapist that specializes in hydrotherapy.
How Does It Work?
There are many different kinds of hydrotherapy, including bathing with essential oils, alternating between warm and cold water, and underwater massage. But the techniques often used for recovery from surgery or injury usually involve specific movements.
Depending on the type of injury or surgery you’re recovering from, a trained professional will often guide you through a routine designed to promote healing and recovery. The amount of submersion will depend on the exercises required, as determined by the type of injury or surgery, and your tolerance for water. Oftentimes warm water is used to help create a relaxing environment while cool water is used to help energize and promote exercise.
How Hydrotherapy Can Help You Recover From Surgery or Injury
One of the major benefits of hydrotherapy is the buoyancy or “reduction” in weight that allows for less stress on the affected area. The same buoyancy helps with ease of movement, making it possible to do exercises that would be too painful or uncomfortable out of water.
Submersion in water can also help to increase blood flow, which is a major part of the healing process. It can also reduce blood pressure, decrease swelling, and ease soreness. The body’s natural reaction to warm or cold water can help you relax, heal, and reduce stress by stimulating your immune system. This same stimulation helps to reduce pain and the release of stress hormones.
The Importance of Finding A Reputable Facility
While it’s true that your local pool probably offers water aerobics, it’s not a recommended form of recovery from injury or surgery. For best results and to avoid further injury or negative side effects, it’s best to seek out a reputable facility that specializes in hydrotherapy. Some facilities may be attached to hospitals as part of their physical therapy wing. Others may be stand-alone. While each state’s laws vary, the practitioners at a reputable facility will be licensed to practice physical therapy, naturopathy, or massage therapy. If they’re certified in external hydrotherapy, all the better.
Spine Institute Northwest specializes in minimally invasive procedures using the latest technology. Our procedures can enable faster recovery, minimal bleeding, and less postoperative pain. With treatment options designed for each individual, our goal is to get our patients back to their lives as quickly and painlessly as possible.