Hydrotherapy
Literally means water therapy, using ice, heat, liquid and steam to relieve the symptoms numerous types of infections, acute and chronic pain, circulatory problems, etc. The aim is to stimulate an immune response or to detoxify the body by changing body temperature. Hydrotherapy is any use of water for healing purposes. Hydrotherapy uses the buoyancy, warmth, and effects of the water's turbulence to speed recovery after surgeries, reduce pain and stress, spasm and discomfort. Naturopaths, physical therapists, or massage therapists in a clinical setting generally use hydrotherapy. This technique can include water-based exercise, icing sprains, hot or cold compresses, steambaths, soaking in a tub or whirlpool, colonic irrigation, douches, enemas, swimming, saunas and so on.

Hydrotherapy is one of the main forms of treatment that the earliest naturopaths used. While it has fallen out of use to a great extent, there is healing potential in simply knowing how to apply water to injuries, at what temperature, how to alternate temperature, for how long, with or without pressure, and temperature maintenance. Hydrotherapy has been around for as long as the animal kingdom. In the wild, animals have been observed to soak injured areas daily in local water sources until healed. At the beginning of the 20th century the most well known naturopaths, such as Benedict Lust and Henry Lindlahr, were using hydrotherapy extensively. The famous John Harvey Kellogg of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan was known for using a great variety of hydrotherapy treatments to cure presumably "incurable" diseases.

Cryotherapy

The therapeutic use of ice. The application of ice to a site of trauma will constrict capillaries, reduce swelling and numb nerves. Cold should be used for the first 24 to 72 hours after injury. After that time Heat may be applied to promote healing.

Kneipp Therapy

See Kneipp Therapy

Scotch Hose

The use of alternating hot and cold water sprays to massage a standing client. It is a relatively high pressured hose, used at a specific distance and gives a very specific hydromassage of the body.

Thalassotherapy

The use of sea water or a seaweed product in a hydrotherapy treatment. Seawater and seaweed contain trace elements, vitamins, and minerals, which help stimulate blood circulation, eliminate toxins, tone and re-mineralize the body

Benefits/Contraindications

Remember that hydrotherapy is contraindicated in animals with cardiovascular or respiratory depression. Always work with a professional. There are numerous ways to use hydrotherapy and new programs and products have made hydrotherapy a mainstream modality.

Training/Licensing

Most naturopathic physician degree programs require training in hydrotherapy. Basic hydrotherapy, such as hot and cold compresses, is often an important part of sports massage training. Courses are also available as continuing education for health professionals.

More on Hydrotherapy / Cryotherapy

Hydrotherapy
The use of water in any form (ice, steam, heat, etc) for therapeutic purposes.

Cryotherapy
Application of cold - never longer than 40 minutes as healthy tissue can be damaged or destroyed.

Use cold on (20-40 minutes), cold off (at least an hour).

Normally used for acute conditions (open or stitched wounds, soft tissue injury, joint trauma).

Blood is immediately carried to the area of injury. Crushed ice in a plastic bag. Most efficient is the ice cup (used in massage-styrofoam cups filled with water kept in the freezer). Peel away rim of cup; use about 5 minutes over area in early stages of inflammation.

(HELPFUL HINT: KEEP LARGE BAGS OF FROZEN VEGGIES HANDY AS THEY CONFORM WELL TO MOST AREAS OF THE BODY AND CAN BE REUSED).

Acute injuries should be treated with cold at the onset for three to four days. Cold can be used as long as there is swelling. Cold relieves pain because it counteracts inflammation, swelling and edema in the injured tissue. The quicker cold is used, the shorter time will be needed for heat later. Cold constricts the blood vessels by moving out damaged cells and their metabolites. Once the cold is removed, the body slowly restores circulation, thus bringing nutrients for healing to the injured area and washing away debris and narcrotic (damaged) tissue.

Cold may be applied by using a compression bandage, ice pack or soaking and running cold water over the injured and surrounding area. When an injury occurs, cells break open, releasing destructive enzymes that interfere with the healing process. Cold and compression reduce the spread of these enzymes. Compression should be used following cold to control swelling. Swelling causes pain and stiffness and the animal avoids using the injured site, thereby putting stress and weight on other joints and limbs. This can create secondary injury called "supporting leg lameness".

As a precaution, if there is trauma to a limb, I will also treat the opposing limb lightly as well and will usually even use a wrap on the uninjured limb. I have found this to be helpful in preventing the animal from weight bearing problems in the recovery process and after healing.

There are four stages of cold application over about ten minutes.

The treatment should stop after the last stage:

•   initial cold sensation

•   burning sensation

•   aching sensation

•   numbing sensation

Some indications for use of cryotherapy are chronic pain and swelling of arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, myositis, muscle overstretching (strain), ligament overstretching (sprain), muscle spasm and contusion (superficial skin injury with swelling and discoloration), insect bites, itchy skin and minor burns. Cold can be used as a preventative following hard work to minimize swelling.

CAUTION: ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO COLD

Include itching, swelling, shortness of breath, sweating, joint pain and difficulty in swallowing.

NOTE: If at any time during treatment with ice you are concerned any one of these reactions may be taking place, stop immediately.

HOW TO USE

Dry skin and hair act as insulators. So for sprains and bruises, wet the horse's hair and apply cold packs. Soak in bucket of icy water or wet leg with sponge and use ice wraps or ice boots (neoprene wraps with frozen inserts). These may be purchased from your local pet and equine dealer or through catalogs.

Open wounds - crushed ice in plastic bag or frozen bagged veggies

AVOID WATER ON AN OPEN WOUND which can damage cells, causing tissue swelling and proud flesh.

HEAT

Chronic injuries
Heat increases metabolic activity in cells causing an increase in localized oxygen demand. Heat relaxes muscle mass and is comforting, but quickly carried away by the blood. Heat increases mobility in arthritic joints short term.

Joint movement is increased when heat and stretches are done over time.

Heating pads, hot water bottles, hydrocollator packs, heat lamps (dry heat), ultrasound (the only therapy that can penetrate to deeper structures), moist towels and compresses (moist heat). Heat pads can be used in cold weather to warm tissue before massage and enhances the effects of acupressure points relating to muscle, joint and nerve function. Move the pad over the entire body and then place it over trouble areas. Always check to make sure they are not too hot. Moist heat can be used for abscesses, bacterial infection and boils.

Acute injuries
(Use cold therapy) phase of an injury passes within 12-72 hours. After this period, heat therapy will do the most good.

Trauma causes disruption of the circulatory system (blood and lymph vessels) which leads to accumulation of fluid in the tissue. In the acute stage, the damaged tissue produces toxins, which cause pain and swelling. The application of heat reverses this process reducing pain and muscle spasms.

Heat pads are useful for cold back horses and in cases of shock, abnormal stress and colic. However, it is imperative that care be used to always make sure that proper heat temperature is used as high temperatures can damage tissue.

Massage and bodywork are instrumental in the relaxation of the muscle and the removal of toxins and are extremely beneficial with injury. Make sure you are working with a veterinarian and any chance of fever is ruled out before any bodywork is performed.

Benefits/Contraindications
If pain and swelling persist, seek veterinarian attention immediately. Never use heat on abscesses, tumors or open wounds. Do not use during hot weather unless under veterinarian care.

Swimming
Aids in developing muscle tone. Develops cardiovascular strength while keeping weight off the joints. Maintains muscle mass without stressing joints (especially in cases of arthritis)


OVERVIEW OF HEAT AND COLD

These same instructions are relevant for small and large animals. Remember, as with any injury or illness, please work with the client’s veterinarian or make sure you have a veterinarian that you have a good working relationship with.

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