30 Jul Hydrobath Therapy, is it for you?
A simple soak with powerful results — is it right for you?
When it comes to easing hand pain and stiffness, Hydrobath therapy could be the simple yet effective solution you’ve been looking for.
So, what is Hydrobath therapy treatment?
Hand Hydro bathing is a specific heat treatment used to reduce joint stiffness, relax muscles, alleviate pain, and increase blood flow. Hydrobath therapy aims to provide an outcome to improve range of motion of wrist and fingers.
The treatment also increases strength in your soft tissues and fine motor skills.
Some people may find it difficult to complete physical hand exercises independently. This may be due to the fear of pain and stiffness, which they feel will result in increased pain and longevity of the injury/condition, however, an exercise program incorporating hydro-bath for hands is a relaxing technique that can help with continuing daily exercises and activities without pain. During hand therapy sessions, my patients have valued using warm water as an intervention to help carry out their selected exercises. They report that it is less strenuous on their joints and more relaxing. I have also acknowledged that patients are able to comfortably complete the exercises between hand therapy visits at home with easy access to a wash basin or bucket.
Manon Ellis performing Hydrobath therapy for one of our patients.
Who benefits from Hydrobath therapy?
If you have any of the following symptoms you may benefit from Hydrobath therapy;
– Joint tightness.
– Muscle contractures/tightness.
– Oedema.
– Neuromuscular conditions.
– Degenerative diseases involving osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.
– Pain management.
– Soft tissue injury.
– Deep scar tissue.
What do you need to carry out this treatment?
To carry this treatment with your therapist or at home you will require:
– A tub or sink of warm water (not hot), around 30-34 degrees Celsius.
– An appropriate exercise program for your condition, selected with your hand therapist.
– A towel to help dry your hands after the treatment has completed.
How to do Hydrobath therapy at home?
– Place your whole hand and wrist in the water tub and carry out selected exercises.
– Sessions are limited to 10 minutes, to avoid overheating or overdoing exercise intensity.
– Remember to follow out recommended exercise sets and repetitions from your hand therapist.
Please see the following example in the video below.
In the above video, we are working on alleviating finger muscle contracture with heat applied. I am guiding the patient through bending and straightening their fingers and then spreading fingers apart and bringing them back together, however, due to muscle tightness, joint contractures and scar tissue; performing these finger exercises in warm water reduces stress and provides warmth, creates a light resistance of the water, and provides hydrostatic pressure. These benefits will allow the patient to move with less patient and more ease.
So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of arthritis, swelling, muscle tightness, pain, or have an old injury, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help you.
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For more information, call us directly on 03 9458 5166
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