Hydrotherapy is the use of water to heal and ease a variety of ailments and the water may be used in a number of different ways. The healing properties of water have been recognised since ancient times - most people know the benefit of a hot bath in relaxing the body, relieving muscular aches and stiffness and helping to bring about restful sleep.
Hot water or steam causes the blood vessels to dilate, opens the skin pores and stimulates perspiration, relaxes limbs and muscles. A cold bath or shower acts in the opposite way and is refreshing and invigorating. The cold causes blockages blood vessels in the skin to constrict and blood vessels in the skin to constrict and the blood is diverted to internal tissues and organs to maintain the core temperature of the body. Applications of cold water or ice reduce the swelling and bruising.
