Hydrotherapy Applications, and How It Benefits You – Part 1

With the cold Canadian winter (almost) behind us, I have been using more warm therapies during my treatments to help clients face the -40 weather that Mother Nature has been dishing out.  This got me thinking that I should compile some research for you so you know what type of hydrotherapy applications are more suitable for you.  So if you are like Katy Perry and can’t differentiate between “Hot N’ Cold” (Capitol Music), then these blog articles are for you!

Cold Therapy/Cryrotherapy

For the first part of this series, I will be focusing on Cold Therapy.  Since this is what I usually recommend as the first part of home care for clients (as your will learn below), this was the logical place to start.  It is important to note that not all hydrotherapy applications are appropriate for everyone.  Please seek help to ensure you are recieving the right interventions to suit your needs

• Reducing Inflammation. The main reason I recommend a cold therapy is for tissues in the acute stage of inflammation.  This is usually caused by a recent injury to the soft tissues (sprain/strain) or after a deep tissue massage.  There is an increase in blood flow to the area so that the cells can heal the damaged tissue and clear away any debris, causing swelling and sometimes discomfort.  A cold application will help to draw fluid away from the area, thereby decreasing the discomfort (Fowelie, 2006, p. 54).

• Shutting Down Pain Receptors. Nociceptors (nerve endings that detect pain) are shut down by the use of cold therapy and help to eliminate pain. (TheraPearl, Hot/Cold 201).

• Stimulating Visceral Activity.  As mentioned in the previous section, cold applications can draw blood away from an area.  If used for a long period of time (especially over the abdominal region), your body will conserve heat for the vital organs by drawing blood away from the rest of the body.  This is known as active derivation or the “hunting response” (hunters can remain dormant in cold climates for a longer periods of time).  This decreases your metabolism so your body can survive the cold temperature.  This mechanism slows both your breathing and heart rate making is an excellent sleep aid. (Fowelie, 2006, p. 54)

Try it at home!

I was taught this exercise in the training program, and I was a bit skeptical about it.  But after I tried it, I was able to have a long, restorative night sleep!  I have been using it ever since:

1) Place a DAMP medium/large towel in the freezer for 1-2 hours to hold a cold temperature and not       form ice.

2) Put a large, fluffy towel on your bed sheets.

3) Lie on top of the towel on your back and place another dry towel over your abdomen, followed by the cold towel and a large towel on top (to prevent your sheets getting damp).

4) Pull the sheets over your body and relax.  Focus on taking slow, deep breaths through your abdomen.

5) After about 15-20 minutes, remove the towels and fall asleep.

 (Fowelie, 2006, p. 269)

Ideas for Cryotherapy Home Care:

- Ice Cubes – either out of the tray, or freezing water in paper cups to prevent messes.

- Ice Packs – found at many first aid sections of stores.

- Frozen Towels

- Frozen Sealed Foods – fruits and vegetables work best.

-  Outdoor Activities – dressing warm and keeping the body moving in the winter is an excellent way to promote a healthy body. 

(Fowelie, 2006, p. 271)

Look for my next blog post when I share the benefits of warm therapy (we ALL need that when it’s -40 outside).  Thank you for reading, and as always if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me by email, or through social media.

References:

Fowelie, L., (2006). An Introduction to Heat & Cold as Therapy. 1st ed. Toronto, ON: Curties-Overzet Publications Inc.

(). Hot/Cold 201. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.therapearl.com/hot-cold-201/. [Last Accessed March 5, 2015].

Capitol Music. Katy Perry - "Hot N Cold" Music Video.  Accessed March 5, 2015 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTHNpusq654