| Although you should take the time to relax, it's also | | | | healing. |
| important that you explore other forms of fibromyalgia | | | | The following are different types of hydrotherapy: |
| treatment so you can enjoy your life to the fullest. For | | | | Compress - Cold, luke-warm, or hot compresses are |
| instance, hydrotherapy is a unique treatment that has | | | | used to alleviate pain and promote circulation. The |
| helped many fibromyalgia sufferers find freedom from | | | | compress is usually a towel that is soaked in the |
| pain, without all the nasty side effects that | | | | desired water temperature and placed on the |
| accompanies many other treatments. | | | | affected area. More than one towel can be used to |
| What is hydrotherapy? | | | | achieve better relief. |
| Hydrotherapy, also known as balneotherapy, is an | | | | Icing - Ice cubes are used to assist in inflammation, |
| alternative treatment that utilizes water as a method | | | | swelling and pain reduction. The ice is wrapped in a |
| for curing illness and maintaining sound health. | | | | towel or plastic bag and applied for no more than 20 |
| Hydrotherapy uses different water techniques to | | | | minutes to the body. This method is repeated every |
| alleviate pain, improve circulation and health. Water has | | | | two hours over the course of one day. |
| always been celebrated for its healing properties and | | | | Baths - This is the most popular form of hydrotherapy. |
| it's effectiveness in treating a variety of physical and | | | | The baths may either be cold or hot, and are used to |
| mental illnesses. Hydrotherapy has been used for | | | | reduce stress and give relief to symptoms. The baths |
| centuries in Europe and Asia. | | | | usually take place in a whirlpool tub and the body is |
| How does it work? | | | | either partially or completely submerged. Often, special |
| There is not definite answer to this question. However, | | | | herbs are included in the baths to assist healing. |
| there are many theories about how hydrotherapy | | | | Baths are the most common form of hydrotherapy for |
| works, most of which are based on the two natural | | | | fibromyalgia sufferers. In fact, a six week study that |
| water properties - temperature and buoyancy. | | | | was done on fibromyalgia patients who were given |
| Water is a unique element that has the ability to retain | | | | hydrotherapy in the form of therapeutic whirlpool baths |
| cold and heat in a form that makes it easy for body | | | | two times in one week, found that the participants had |
| application. In turn, the water temperature placed on | | | | improved joint and muscle function, had less pain, and |
| the body has an affect on the way the body functions. | | | | better sleep. |
| Specific temperatures assist in the constriction and | | | | Hydrotherapy is a treatment that is performed by a |
| dilation of the blood vessels. The change in blood | | | | qualified and licensed hydrotherapist, physical therapist |
| vessels improves circulation, efficient removal of | | | | or naturopath. In other words, it is not a treatment that |
| waste, and speeds healing. | | | | anyone can perform. You must seek this treatment |
| The buoyancy of water is also effective for alleviating | | | | from an experienced professional. Speak to your |
| pain. Water provides support to the entire body and | | | | doctor to learn about hydrotherapy in your community |
| helps to reduce the strain on joints and muscles. In | | | | and to find out if this treatment is the right choice for |
| addition, water helps your body heal and find soothing | | | | you. |
| relief because the natural motion of water assists in | | | | Keep in mind, hydrotherapy isn't the only alternative |
| stimulating touch receptors of the skin. This stimulation | | | | treatment available for fibromyalgia sufferers. Another |
| creates electronic impulses that encourage the release | | | | alternative and popular method of fibromyalgia pain |
| of diverse hormones and chemicals that promote | | | | relief is massage therapy. |