Benefits and Uses of Hydrotherapy

Here's a look at several findings from the available research on the potential health benefits of hydrotherapy:

Osteoarthritis

In a study published in Clinical Rehabilitation in 2018, researchers compared the effectiveness of twice-weekly individual aquatic exercise sessions to once a week group patient education in people with knee osteoarthritis. After the eight week treatment period, those doing the aquatic exercises had improved pain and function.²

For a report published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, researchers analyzed previously published studies (including a total of 1190 participants) on the effects of aquatic exercise in people with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. They found that aquatic exercise may cause a small, short-term improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life.³

Recovery After Athletic Activity

Cold water immersion and contrast water therapy may help with certain aspects of recovery after team sports, according to a report published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 2017.⁴ For the report, researchers analyzed previously published studies and found that cold water immersion was beneficial for neuromuscular recovery and fatigue 24 hours following team sports.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hydrotherapy used with conventional drugs may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, according to a study published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases in 2017.⁵ For the study, participants with rheumatoid arthritis received hydrotherapy with conventional medication or conventional medication alone for 12 weeks. At the study's end, the group receiving hydrotherapy had an improvement in antioxidant levels and oxidative stress.⁵

Precautions

Hydrotherapy may not be appropriate in certain circumstances:

• Cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure: Increased blood flow may put additional stress on the heart
• Fever
• Inflammation: Warming may not be recommended for acute injuries
• Kidney disease
• Cancer
• Pregnancy
• Decreased sensitivity to hot and/or cold

It's a good idea to check with your health care provider before using hydrotherapy.

Keep in mind that hydrotherapy shouldn't be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of any health condition.

A Word From Verywell

Many of us already use hydrotherapy in our lives, whether it's taking a warm bath or shower to unwind or putting an ice pack on a swollen or painful area. There are many types of hydrotherapy, with some being done at home or by a professional to complement your current treatment regimen.