Hydrotherapy 100 intro Flashcards
definition of Hydrotherapy
The use/application of water to the body in any of its three forms.
- Applied internally or externally for the maintenance of health, or treatment of disease or trauma.
- Mainly influences the nervous system, circulatory system, and the integumentary system.
rational of hydrotherapy
● Human body is made up of approximately 70% water.
● Water works synergistically with the natural healing mechanisms of our bodies
● Our body’s cells are bathed in watery fluids, which transport many elements needed for healthy function (eg. nutrients, hormones, and substances for repair)
● Because the body and its activities are so fluid-based, water applications complement our natural functions.
● Hot or cold water applications enhance our body’s ability to heal by affecting the nervous, circulatory, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems.
The temperature of the water is
is the determining factor in achieving a therapeutic outcome in a hydrotherapy application.
○ The difference in temperature between the source of heat/cold and the part of the body to which it is being applied to creates the therapeutic outcome.
○ The application temperature in relation to the body’s temperature is the most important factor.
the therapist can control
■ Temperature
■ Extent of the Treatment
■ Duration
a reaction is
In physiological terms, reaction refers to the body’s response to stress.
● The body will respond and adapt to stressors by initiating strengthening reactions which increase the speed and efficiency of its feedback responses.
● Achieved through a feedback cycle or loop via the central nervous system (CNS), which reflects changes in the body’s environment to adapt to a stimulus.
● Too much stress can overwhelm the defense mechanisms, and lead to tissue damage in the body.
core concepts
- Properties of the Skin
- Functions of the Skin
- Temperature Regulation
- Properties of Water
- Effects of Hydrotherapy Applications
- Transfer of Heat
- Temperature Scale
properties of the skin
● Skin is the largest organ in the body.
● Comprises approximately 16% of total body weight.
● Consists of three layers
○ Epidermis - outer layer
○ Dermis - middle layer
○ Hypodermis or Subcutaneous (Sub-Q) layer - deepest layer
5 functions of skin
- Protection
- Excretion
- Absorption
- Thermoregulation
5, Sensation
protection
➤ The skin is our 1st line of defense & helps keep pathogens out of the body.
● Melanin - Protects us from ultraviolet (UV) rays
● Keratin - Toughens the skin, giving it durability
● Fatty/Lipid Substance - Waterproofs the skin
● Calluses - Thickening of the skin cells caused by continuous friction, protecting underlying, more fragile structures (eg. weight training)
thermoregulation
● At rest, the dermis contains 8-10% of the body’s blood flow, therefore it acts like a blood reservoir.
● Subcutaneous blood vessels change in diameter in response to heat and cold
○ Heat - Causes the blood vessels to open up (dilate), filling capillaries that bring more blood flow to the body’s surface. This allows heat contained in the blood to escape.
○ Cold - Causes the blood vessels to narrow (constrict), which reduces the blood flow to the surface of the skin. This promotes heat conservation in the body.
excretion
● The skin excretes water, salts, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and urea (by-product of protein metabolism, produced by the kidneys).
● The skin is not a primary organ of elimination, however it helps reduce the demand on other organs that act as environmental toxin, and metabolic waste filters or eliminators.
● The body’s organs of elimination/filtration are:
Skin
Kidney
Intestine
Liver
Lung
Spleen
➤ Therefore, daily hydrotherapy or temperature therapy can increase the efficiency of elimination and strengthen the body’s general immunity.
absorption
● The skin absorbs fat-soluble materials through the capillaries in hair shafts (eg. some massage oil is absorbed through the skin).
● This is significant therapeutically when additives are used in conjunction with hydrotherapy applications (eg. epsom salts or herbs in baths).
EFFECTS OF HYDROTHERAPY APPLICATIONS:
A. Local Effects
B. Systemic Effects
C. Reflex Effects
three categories of reflex effects
i. VASOMOTOR EFFECTS - Affects the smooth muscle of blood vessels supplying a tissue, leading to constriction or dilation of the vessels.
ii. VISCEROMOTOR EFFECTS - The effects that temperature change has on smooth muscle tissue of the viscera (organs).
iii. GLANDULAR EFFECTS - The effects that hydrotherapy can have on glandular secretions. Eg. Mucous, enzymes, and hormones
arterial trunk reflex
Arterial Trunk Reflex - Whatever the influence is on a large artery, the same effect may be conveyed to smaller blood vessels branching off the primary artery.
○ It is important to be aware of this type of reflex in conditions where heat is contraindicated.
conduction
● The exchange of heat between two objects that are in direct contact with each other.
● Eg. Paraffin wax dip, heat pack, hot stone massage.
convection
● The result of movement of heated gas or liquid between surfaces at different temperatures.
● Eg. Convection oven or Steam Room.
evaporation
● The conversion of a liquid into vapour/gas.
● Eg. Sweating, Steam Room
radiation
● Radiation requires no direct contact between the objects, the transfer of heat between objects via infrared rays.
conversion
● Involves no externally applied heat.
● Uses energy through a substance to heat it.
● Eg. Ultrasound.
hydrotherapy mainly influences
Nervous, Integumentary Circulatory, Endocrine and the Musculoskeletal systems
hydrocollator packs
hottest front left
coldest back right