Hydrotherapy

Question 1

What type(s) of heat transfer can occur in water?

Answer 1

Conduction or Convection

Question 2

Why is water effective for a superficial heat/cold modality?

Answer 2

Has a high specific heat and thermal conductivity to that of air. (4 times the specific heat and 25 times the conductivity of air)

Question 3

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 3

Pressure exerted on an object by water

Question 4

What does Pascal’s Law say about hydrostatic pressure?

Answer 4

Fluid exerts pressure equally on an object when at a given depth.

Question 5

What is the cleansing effect of water on an open wound?

Answer 5

• Pressure and friction help remove debris

- Acts as a cleanser to remove exogenous waste and reduces bacterial burden

Question 6

What are the musculoskeletal effects?

Answer 6

Strengthening
Decrease weight bearing
Effects on bone density loss
Less fat loss than with other forms of exercise

Question 7

What are the Cardiovascular Effects?

Answer 7

Increased Venous Circulation
Increased cardiac volume
Increased cardiac output
Decreased HR, systolic BP, and rate of oxygen uptake

Question 8

What are the Respiratory Effects?

Answer 8

Decreased Vital Capacity
Increased work of breathing
Decreased exercise-induced asthma

Question 9

What are the Renal Effects?

Answer 9

Diuresis

Increased sodium and potassium excretion

Question 10

What are the Psychological Effects?

Answer 10

Relaxing in warm water

Invigorating in cold water

Question 11

Why does immersion increase resting muscle blood flow from 100% to 225%?

Answer 11

The hydrostatic pressure reduces vasoconstriction which increases venous return.

Question 12

What are the benefits of water exercise for musculoskeletal problems?

Answer 12

Decreased weight bearing on joints
Velocity-dependent resistance
Closed or open chain exercises can be used
Effects on bone density loss (can slow mineral loss and decrease risk of injury)
Fibromyalgia: Reduce pain

Question 13

What are the benefits of water exercise for neurological problems?

Answer 13

Proprioceptive input
Increased Safety
Improved balance

Question 14

What are the benefits of water exercise for patients with reduced cardiac fitness?

Answer 14

Allows patients a better platform to exercise due to decreased tolerance for land based exercise

Question 15

What are the benefits of water exercise for pregnancy?

Answer 15

Decreased weight bearing
Less elevation of heart rate with exercise
Decreased risk of maternal hyperthermia

Question 16

What are the benefits of water exercise for exercise induced asthma?

Answer 16

Less exercise-induced asthma than with other forms of exercise.

Question 17

What are the benefits of water exercise for age-related deficits?

Answer 17

Improved Balance
Improved Strength
Improved cardiorespiratory fitness
Improved functional mobility

Question 18

What are contraindications for local immersion forms of hydrotherapy?

Answer 18

Maceration around a wound

Bleeding

Question 19

What are precautions for local immersion forms of hydrotherapy?

Answer 19

Impaired thermal sensation in the area to be immersed
Infection in the area to be immersed
Confusion or impaired cognition
Recent skin grafts

Question 20

What are precautions for full-body immersion in hot or very warm water?

Answer 20

Pregnancy
Multiple Sclerosis
Poor Thermal Regulation

Question 21

What are contraindications for full-body immersion forms of hydrotherapy?

Answer 21

Cardiac instability
Infectious conditions that may be spread by water
Bowel incontinence 
Severe Epilepsy 
Suicidal patients

Question 22

What are precautions for full body immersion forms of hydrotherapy?

Answer 22

Confusion or disorientation
Alcohol ingestion by the patient
Limited strength, endurance, balance, or ROM
Medications
Urinary incontinence 
Fear of Water
Respiratory problems

Question 23

What are precautions for non-immersion forms of hydrotherapy?

Answer 23

Maceration

May not be Effective

Question 24

What are contraindications for negative pressure wound therapy?

Answer 24

Necrotic Tissue
Untreated osteomyelitis
Malignancy in the wound
Untreated malnutrition
Exposed arteries, veins, nerves, anastomotic sites, or organs 
Non enteric and unexplored fistulas

Question 25

What are precautions for negative pressure wound therapy?

Answer 25

Anticoagulant therapy
Difficult hemostasis
Confusion or disorientation