Hydrotherapy: physiological effects Lecture 1.pptx

hydrotherapy: physiological effects

1. Hydrotherapy Lec . 2 Physical prosperities and Physiological effects Dr / Rehab Saber A. Mamoon Lecturer of P.T. for women’s health, SVU

2. Physical prosperities of hydrotherapy: Hydromechanics:   Definition: Hydromechanics encompasses the physical properties of fluid in motion. Components of Flow Motion: - Laminar flow: Slow movement with parallel molecule motion. - Turbulent flow: Faster, non-parallel molecule movement. - Drag: Cumulative effects of turbulence and fluid viscosity on an object in motion.

3. Clinical Significance of Drag: - Increased speed through water raises resistance to motion. - Moving water past the patient requires more effort to maintain position. - Equipment (glove/paddle/boot) amplifies drag and resistance during movement.   Clinical Tip - Increasing Resistance to Motion: - Use of hydro-boot or similar devices increases drag force on the leg/foot, enhancing muscular force production during knee extension.  

4. Thermodynamics Effect of Water Temperature: - Water temperature affects the body's performance in an aquatic environment. Specific Heat: - Specific heat is the heat required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of substance by 1˚C. - Water retains heat 1000 times more than air. Temperature Transfer: - Water conducts temperature 25 times faster than air. - Heat transfer increases with velocity, leading to faster body temperature loss during movement in water .

5. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER Hemodynamics : Local changes in circulation and systemic effects on cardiac function are observed during hydrotherapy. Water temperature influences circulation, with warm water causing vasodilation and cold water leading to vasoconstriction.

6. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER Temperature Effects : Warm water temperatures (about 95.9°F or 35.5°C) result in vasodilation. Cold water temperatures (below 80.6°F or 27°C) cause vasoconstriction.

7. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER Cardiovascular Effects of Immersion:** Immersion of the entire body or only the face induces the dive reflex, resulting in bradycardia , peripheral vasoconstriction, and preferential blood shunting to vital organs. Effects depend on water temperature, with warm or hot water increasing heart rate and water at body temperature having a neutral effect.

8. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER Blood Pressure Impact:** Immersion in water can affect blood pressure. Enhanced venous return increases cardiac volume, leading to higher right atrial pressure and increased cardiac output, assuming normal cardiac pump mechanics. The dive reflex may blunt the effect on blood pressure, causing bradycardia .

9. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER Effects of Water on the Body Systems: 1. **Cardiovascular System:** - Sudden vasoconstriction, decreased heart rate, and increased heart volume from venous return may not be tolerated by those with cardiovascular deficits. - To minimize cardiovascular effects, enter water slowly, wetting face and hands first, and avoid full-body immersions in cold water. - Monitoring perceived exertion is preferred over heart rate during water exercise.

10. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER 2. **Respiratory System:** - Immersion in water affects breathing by hydrostatic pressure inhibiting lung expansion and increased circulation in the chest cavity. - Maximal oxygen uptake is lower in water exercise, leading to a 60% increase in total work of breathing at a tidal volume of 1 liter.

11. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER 3. **Renal Function:** - Water immersion can affect renal function, leading to increased urine output, sodium excretion, and potassium excretion. - Effects are enhanced in cold water, and individuals should empty their bladders before entering therapeutic pools.

12. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER 4. **Neurological System:** - Water immersion effects on the neurological system are temperature-dependent. - Warm water tends to be relaxing, while cold water tends to be invigorating or stimulating, with the exact mechanism requiring further study.  

13. PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF WATER 5. **Muscular System:** - Immersion in water increases oxygen delivery to muscles and removes metabolic waste products, likely due to reflex changes in blood vessel tone and hydrostatic pressure. - Warm water can relax muscle spasms through increased blood flow, and agitation, such as in a whirlpool bath, may break the pain/spasm cycle. - Exercise in water, especially against turbulence, can increase muscle strength, but there's no evidence that placing limbs in still water strengthens muscles at rest. - Whirlpool agitation may be beneficial as preparation for an exercise program, providing relaxation, stimulation, or analgesic effects.

14. MECHANICAL EFFECTS OF WATER **Primary Causes of Mechanical Effects:** The mechanical effects of water result from either the agitation of water in a whirlpool or the application of a high-force stream of water to the body.   **Debridement of Necrotic Tissue:** The force of water can effectively debride loose necrotic tissue in a wound, facilitating the removal of dead tissue.

15. MECHANICAL EFFECTS OF WATER **Cleansing Properties:** Water's force aids in cleansing wounds by removing dirt and other contaminants from the affected area.   **Caution with Whirlpools:** The use of whirlpools for wound debridement is no longer recommended due to the softening effect of water on tissues.   **Softening Effect Concerns:** The softening effect of water on tissues can potentially damage new granulation tissue and lead to maceration of intact skin, necessitating caution in its application for wound care .

16. Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Balance and coordination. Muscle strengthening. Function/mobility. Increasing flexibility.

17. Therapeutic Effects Relieve pain and muscle spasm To gain relaxation To maintain or increase the range of joint movement To re-educate paralyzed muscles To strengthen weak muscles and to develop their power and endurance. To encourage walking and other functional and recreational activities. To improve balance and coordination

18. Therapeutic Effects To improve circulation ( trophic condition of the skin ) To give the patient encouragement and confidence in carrying out his exercises, thereby improving his morale. The warmth of water blocks nociception by acting on thermal receptors and mechanoreceptors, thus influencing spinal segmental mechanisms. Warm water stimulates blood flow positively, which leads to muscle relaxation. the hydrostatic effect may relieve pain by reducing peripheral oedema and by dampening the sympathetic nervous system activity .

19. Clinical Contraindications