How does hydrotherapy benefit patients?

Hydrotherapy benefits patients primarily by enhancing blood circulation through heat and buoyancy. The warm water used in hydrotherapy treatments increases local blood flow, which helps supply nutrients and oxygen to tissues and promotes healing. Additionally, the buoyancy of water reduces the effects of gravity on the body, allowing patients to exercise or perform movements with less pain and strain on their joints and muscles. This is especially beneficial for individuals with conditions that limit mobility or cause pain, as they can engage in therapeutic activities in a supportive environment.

In contrast, immobilizing affected joints, while sometimes necessary in other therapies, does not actively promote healing or mobility the same way hydrotherapy does. Increasing muscle mass is not a direct benefit of hydrotherapy alone, as this typically involves resistance training or specific strength-building exercises. Improving nutritional absorption is more related to dietary concerns and gastrointestinal health, rather than a direct outcome of hydrotherapy sessions.