Hydrotherapy Flashcards
what are the different properties of water?
why do they help?
buoyancy
- the upward force that opposes the weight of the patient
- reduces weight bearing on limbs
thrust
- the forward motion created by patient’s movements
- increased water depth = increased thrust
viscosity
- water has greater viscosity than air
- so more effort required - short sessions
hydrostatic
- pressure of the water on the patient
- massage-like effect on tissues
drag
- force of water opposing forward motion of the patient
- patient has to push against - harder than air
- increased depth = increased drag
ideal temperatures for hydrotherapy?
warm water causes vasodilation
- increases tissue perfusion and aids healing
ideal for dogs = 29-30°c
benefits of hydrotherapy?
improved muscle strength
- from drag and buoyancy reducing pressure
increased ROM
- shallow water encourages the patient to step out/over the water which increases AROM
increased CV fitness
- viscosity makes hard to work in water
analgesia
- hydrostatic effects provides analgesia
improved gait and proprioception
- when using water treadmill
- focus on limb placement
ways of providing hydrotherapy?
water treadmills
- better for fitness and proprioception
- water depth can be adjusted
- water needs to be removed before the patient is taken out - not ideal if panicked
- straight line motions only - more controlled but limited
hydrotherapy pools
- more versatile - can turn and go in circles
- limb usage can be adjusted by tilting
- proprioception isn’t required - if damaged allow to build muscle before feet placement
- jets can be used to increase resistance
- 5 min swim = 5k run
- risk of overextension of joints
hydrotherapy contraindications?
open wounds or sutures
V+/D+ or infectious disease
- spread easily
cardiac disease
- more strain from intense exercise and vasodilation
- stress/hyperventilation may impact
respiratory distress
uncontrolled epilepsy
- not safe unless constantly supported by the therapist
