Hydrotherapy

& its benefits

“Water Therapy”, or Hydrotherapy as it is more commonly known nowadays, is the treatment of ailments through the use of water. The focus of hydrotherapy is to rid the body of toxins that can cause joint pain and inflammation. In line with these physical benefits, hydrotherapy is also renowned as a way of relaxing a tired body and stressed mind.
Studies carried out in the British Journal of Rheumatology showed that hot tub therapy provided both short and long term benefits for those who suffered from back pain.

The three principles

At Cheltenham Spas, we believe that hydrotherapy is based around the three simple principles of heat, buoyancy and water movement (or water massage) whereby the key zones of the human body are massaged and relieved of aches and pains.

Heat: By immersing the body in hot water, blood vessels are dilated and the circulation is naturally stimulated. This enables enzymes and endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers) to work more rapidly and efficiently - relieving muscle tension and sedating nerve endings to help diminish aches and pains. The heat also enables cells to more easily rid themselves of metabolic waste, (thus improving the digestive process) replacing it with oxygen and the body’s natural nutrients. Moist heat is also extremely beneficial to anyone suffering from respiratory ailments such as congestion, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Buoyancy: The body weighs 90% less when suspended in water. Therefore, pressure on the spine and muscle groups, joints and ligaments is significantly reduced when submerged. This naturally helps to aid relaxation of muscles and joints by taking the strain off them.

Hydro-massage: The third principle in hydrotherapy relates to the specific benefits of massaging painful areas. Anyone that has ever experienced a massage will understand its ability to relax and soothe aching muscles. Hydrotherapy recreates the same effects but in a much more gentler way, through the use of water rippling over the affected areas (which, naturally, is gentler than even the softest masseuse’s hands!).

Hydro-massage through a Cheltenham Spas system provides an unparalleled method of relieving stress and stress related conditions such as high blood pressure, headaches and chronic pain. It has also been proven to be especially effective in reducing the pain of arthritis, tendonitis and inflammation resulting from exercise or overexertion.