THE ROLE

Hydrotherapy is accepted as an integral part of the rehabilitation process. It may be used as the only form of treatment being offered, or may form part of an overall treatment plan, being designed to be complementary to other aspects of a person's treatment programme.

Hydrotherapy is often considered when all other forms of medical and physiotherapy intervention have failed. Consideration should be given to early inclusion of hydrotherapy in the management of a wide variety of conditions.

There have been many studies which have looked at various physiological effects of immersion on normal subjects, but few have looked at the combination of exercise with immersion in warm water for specific disabilities. The lack of research however, can also be said of much of physiotherapy practice.

The benefits perceived by both patient and therapist have increased the popularity of hydrotherapy and also promoted greater interest in clinical research.