Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy 

Introduction:

Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. Hydrotherapy can soothe sore or inflamed muscles and joints, rehabilitate injured limbs, lower fevers, soothe headaches, promote relaxation, treat burns and frostbite, ease labor pains, and clear up skin problems. The temperature of water used affects the therapeutic properties of the treatment. Hot water is chosen for its relaxing properties. It is also thought to stimulate the immune system. Tepid water can also be used for stress reduction and may be particularly relaxing in hot weather. Cold water is selected to reduce inflammation. Alternating hot and cold water can stimulate the circulatory system and improve the immune system. Adding herbs and essential oils to water can enhance its therapeutic value. Steam is frequently used as a carrier for essential oils that are inhaled to treat respiratory problems.

Nature of work:

Hydrotherapy uses water to deliver temperature and pressure changes to the body. These changes are sensed by the body via nerve endings in the skin and muscle, and result in neural “reflex effects” that are controlled by the brain and spinal cord. The most important of these reflex effects are vasodilatation and vasoconstriction, which are the terms used to describe the relaxation and tensing of the blood vessels in the body. These physical changes in the blood vessels cause changes in the rate of blood flow and in the metabolic functions that are linked to the rate of blood flow. Which changes happen in the body are dependent on the outside stimuli it receives; whether the water is hot or cold, the motion of the pressure, and the strength of the pressure, too?

Courses, Eligibility criteria, and Duration: 

Courses: 

1) Bachelor of physiotherapy/ B.Sc. (Hons.) physical therapy duration:
4 and 1 /2 years (including Internship) Eligibility for admission: - Inter Science with Biology with 50% marks. The process of admission: Through entrance test. The entrance test will be held in April or May. Age: not less than 17 years. 

2) Master in physiotherapy (M.P.T) Duration:
2 years, Eligibility: B.P.T. (4 and 1/2year) Speciality: Neurology, Orthopedic/ Musculoskeletal, Sports, Cardiothoracic, and Rehabilitation. Commencement of the course: The course will commence from the 1st April, every year.

Job prospects:

Those with knowledge and practical applications of Hydrotherapy can pursue a career as a hydrotherapist. Graduate with skills and experience can find a job in a variety of wellness and relaxation centers such as rehabilitation centers, Fitness and health clinics, health spas, long-term care facilities, community health clinics, physical therapy clinics, burn centers, hospitals etc.

Hydrotherapy treatments are often given at health spas. The recent growth of the spa industry requires highly educated practitioners for spa and hydrotherapy treatments. So the hydrotherapy graduate, diploma holders can also find a job as a spa therapist, senior spa therapist or Massage therapist in various spa industries. Many naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, estheticians, physical therapists and alternative practitioners also practice hydrotherapy in spas, clinics, and hospitals.

Remuneration of Hydrotherapist:

Salary of hydrotherapists varies with the industry standards. The massage therapists with specialized knowledge such as hydrotherapy training can charge an hourly rate for a single therapy session. A hydrotherapy session usually last about half an hour to one hour. Depending on the needs, a patient may require up to six sessions. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

Share this: