Hydrotherapy is the process of using water whether it be hot, cold, steam or ice in order to relieve pain and discomfort. The use of ancient baths is thought to date back to 4500 BC in Pakistan and it is well known as a major therapy in Roman times.

Some of the treatments that are considered hydrotherapy are:

• Whirlpools, Jacuzzis, and hot tubs - use jet streams to massage the body. Often used by physiotherapists to help muscles gain strength and to soothe joint and muscle pain. They have also been used in births to ease the pain of labour.
• Pools - often underwater exercises are used by physiotherapists in order to build muscle strength. Pool immersion can also be used to relieve the pain experienced by arthritis sufferers.
• Baths - are one of the oldest forms of relaxation therapy. Many aromatherapists recommend adding essential oils to a bath as this allows them to be absorbed into the skin and get a large benefit from them.
• Showers – can be used to stimulate the circulation as well as to massage sore muscles. Showers can also be a more suitable hydrotherapy for burn patients rather than immersion therapy.
• Moist compresses – these are usually cold and are used to reduce swelling and inflammation of an injury.
• Steam treatments and saunas – these will open the pores and cleanse the skin which can be very beneficial for removing toxins from the body. Steam inhalation can also be used to treat respiratory infections.
• Internal hydrotherapy - Colonic irrigation is a form of internal hydrotherapy that can be use to clean the bowel and aid digestive problems.

As can be seen from the above hydrotherapy covers a wide range of treatments and can be used for a large number of illnesses. It is important to select the therapy that is right for you and suits the illness that you have.