Wade through your illness

Like the depth, the palliative and curative virtues of water are unfathomable. Be it relief from the strained muscles, reduction of weight or recovery from stroke, the miraculous healing power of water does it all. Minoo Verma explores the healing properties of water.

• Air temperature _ 28 degree
• Water temperature – 38 degree
• Necessary depths –60 to 140 cms

Immerse yourself into it. It cures.

Using the warmth and support of the water for curing and healing ailments, Hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy has been one of the oldest and most effective natural healing methods. The potential of water goes beyond imagination. Movement in water is greater and much easier than on land as the turbulence and buoyancy in water greatly reduces stress on weight bearing joints and allows movements to take place with reduced gravitational forces.

The therapeutic effects of getting into the heated pool (38 degree) are many. The patient is warm through out the session. Specific techniques help relieve pain and muscle spasms, maintain and increase the range of motion of joints, strengthen weak muscles, increase tolerance to exercises, and maintain & improve balance, coordination and posture. The underwater exercises taken with the help of the physiotherapists improve cardiovascular and respiratory functions, and help in the re-education of paralysed muscles. The hydrostatic pressure of water enhances blood circulation, energizes the body and promotes overall well being.

Easily adapted to patients’ specific needs and easily applied, this therapy offers immense relief to people with arthritic problems, back and neck pain, sports injuries, work-related injuries and Cerebral Palsy. It is highly beneficial for those who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and those recovering from orthopaedic surgery.

Birth right

Births tend to be easier for both the mother and the child if the mother has undertaken water exercises before delivery. The hot sedative effect of the water helps to relax muscle spasms and reduce stiffness among pregnant females. Water birth is in vogue these days. Dr. Urvashi Sehgal, gynaecologist at Phoenix Hospital says, “We have inquiries from about 6 to 8 couples in a month. Our childbirth educator holds an interactive session at the hospital about water birth once a month so that the couples looking for this option can know more and ask their questions.”

Divya Deswal, certified doula and hypnobirthing expert says, “The term ‘water birth’ is a misnomer. While water is a wonderful comfort measure for labour, birth in water is incidental and depends completely on the wishes of the mother giving birth. “

“Labouring in water enhances the woman’s experiences of birth while ensuring she gets a gentle and intervention free birth. However, the goal of using water should be an exploration of comfort in labour,” adds she.

Weighty matters

Hydro also offers the possibilities of handling even the very heavy weight patients with great ease.

Safe for everybody but special care needs to be taken for those suffering from epilepsy, vertigo, hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes and aids. Pregnant females, non- swimmers and those having hydrophobia also require special attention.

Hydrotherapy not only improves mobility, strengthens muscles and enhances self-reliance, but reduces the dependence on drugs as well. It’s natural healing.

“We don’t use a huge amount of equipments except for flotation devices and fins. We use the physical properties of water to assist movement or to resist movement. Water is the most effective natural healing agent and produces cures that are not possible with herbs also.

There are absolutely no side effects of it. Adding Hydrotherapy to the rehabilitation program has been extremely helpful in minimizing the amount of medication required”, says Chitra Kataria.

With inputs from- Chitra Kataria, HOD, Rehabilitation, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj

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