Treating Back Pain with Hydrotherapy
If you enjoy swimming or taking long baths, you probably appreciate the therapeutic benefits of being immersed in water. Many medical providers understand that water immersion is much more than an indulgence.
Integrative care professionals in Cincinnati often use water therapy or hydrotherapy to treat various injuries and ailments. If you suffer from persistent or chronic back pain, hydrotherapy could be a viable option for you.
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, also called water therapy or aquatic therapy, is a holistic medical treatment that uses water to treat pain and other conditions. Therapy typically involves submerging all or part of your body into a tank of water. Hydrotherapy might also use pressurized jets, cold or hot temperatures, or ice packs. Therefore, swimming, bathing, or using a hot tub or spa could all be considered forms of hydrotherapy.
In addition to back pain, hydrotherapy helps relieve bruising, soreness, menstrual pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. As an alternative to surgery and pharmaceutical medicines, hydrotherapy isn’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, many holistic healthcare providers will incorporate this treatment into pain management plans.
Does Hydrotherapy Really Work?
If you’re looking for effective ways to treat back pain, hydrotherapy may be a good option. Many patients sensitive to hand-based physical therapies find that hydrotherapy puts less pressure on the spine, making it a relatively comfortable treatment.
There is research to support the use of hydrotherapy for back pain. In a study published in JAMA Network, participants received therapy for chronic low back pain. People in the treatment group underwent one hour of aquatic exercise twice weekly for three months. Their results were compared to a group receiving transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and infrared ray thermal therapy for the same period.
The researchers found that the group receiving aquatic therapy reported significantly lower pain levels and improved disability levels. These outcomes lasted after twelve months, suggesting that hydrotherapy can be part of a long-term solution to back pain.
Comprehensive Healing for Back Pain
Most patients with back pain benefit from a comprehensive plan that includes hydrotherapy. Other back pain treatment options include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, and natural herbal remedies. At Blatman Health and Wellness Center, we help patients in the Cincinnati and New York City areas find back pain solutions that meet their unique needs.
