Definition

Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. Hydrotherapy is a general term for a group of alternative treatments that use water for the relief of various diseases or injuries, or for cleansing the digestive tract. The use of hydrotherapy has a long history as a form of medical treatment. For example, in classical times the Romans and Greeks found sources of water that were considered to have healing properties.

 

Purpose

Hydrotherapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, often in conjunction with conventional medical treatment. Hydrotherapy can soothe sore or inflamed muscles and joints, rehabilitate injured limbs, lower fevers, promote relaxation. The temperature of water used affects the therapeutic properties of the treatment. Hot water is chosen for its relaxing properties. It is also thought to stimulate the immune system. Tepid water can also be used for stress reduction, and may be particularly relaxing in hot weather. Cold water is selected to reduce inflammation. Alternating hot and cold water can stimulate the circulatory system and improve the immune system. Adding herbs and essential oils to water can enhance its therapeutic value.

Since the late 1990s, thermotherapy has been used in critical care units to treat a variety of serious conditions, including such disorders of the nervous system as Guillain-Barre syndrome.

 

External Hydrotherapy

External hydrotherapy involves the immersion of the body in water or the application of water or ice to the body.

 

Temperature-based treatments

These treatments are based on the different effects of hot or cold water on the skin and underlying tissues. Hot water (around 100 degrees F, 37.8 degrees C) relaxes muscles and causes sweating. It is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, and sore muscles. Hot water hydrotherapy can be used in combination with aromatherapy by adding scented oils to the water. Cold water (60 degrees F, 15.6 degrees C) treatments are used to stimulate blood flow in the skin and underlying muscles.

 

Motion-based treatments

Motion-based hydrotherapy uses water under pressure in the form of jets, whirlpools or aerated bubbles to massage the body. It is used to treat joint and muscle injuries as well as stress and anxiety disorders.

 

Normal results

Normal results for hydrotherapy are symptomatic relief of the condition for which is was recommended. Additionally, hydrotherapy can strengthen both the individually focused area and the entire body.

 

Description

Origins

The therapeutic use of water has a long history. Ruins of an ancient bath were unearthed in Pakistan and ate as far back as 4500 B.C. Bathhouses were an essential part of ancient culture. The use of steam baths, aromatic massage to promote well being is documented since the first century. Roman physicians Galen and Celsus wrote of treating patients with warm and cold baths in order to prevent disease.

By the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries bathhouses were extremely popular with the public throughout Europe. Public bathhouses made their first American appearance in the mid 1700s.

In the early nineteenth century, Sebastien Kniepp, a Bavarian priest and proponent of water healing, began treating his parishioners with cold water applications after he himself was cured of tuberculosis through the same methods. Kniepp wrote extensively on the subject, and opened a series of hydrotherapy clinics known as the Kneipp clinics, which are still in operation today. Around the same time in austria, Vincenz Priessnitz was treating patients with baths, packs, and showers of cold spring water. Priessnitz also opened a spa that treated over 1,500 patients in its first year of operation, and became a model for physicians and other specialists to learn the techniques of hydrotherapy.

Water can be used therapeutically in a number of ways. Common forms of hydrotherapy include:

 

Prepartions

Because of the expense of the equipment and the expertise required to administer effective treatment, hydrotherapy with pools, whirlpools, Hubbard tanks, and saunas is best taken in a professional healthcare facility and/or under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, baths, steam inhalation treatments, and compresses can be easily administered at home.

 

Bath Prepartions

Because of the expense of the equipment and the expertise required to administer effective treatment, hydrotherapy with pools, whirlpools, Hubbard tanks, and saunas is best taken in a professional healthcare facility and/or under the supervision of a healthcare professional. However, baths, steam inhalation treatments, and compresses can be easily administered at home.

Herbs for the bath can be added to the bath in two ways — as essential oils or whole herbs and flowers. Whole herbs and flowers can be placed in a muslin or cheesecloth bag that is tied at the top to make an herbal bath bag. The herbal bath bag is then soaked in the warm tub, and can remain there throughout the bath. When using essential oils, add five to 10 drops of oil to a full tub. Oils can be combined to enhance their therapeutic value. Marjoram (Origanum Marjorana) is good for relieving sore muscles; juniper (Juniperus communis) is recommended as a detoxifying agent for the treatment of arthritis; lavender, ylang ylang (Conanga odorate), and chamomile (Chamaemelum nobilis) are recommended for stress relief, cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), yarrow (Achillea millefolium) geranium (Pelagonium graveolens), clary sage (Salvia scalria), and myrtle (Myrtus communis) can promote healing of hemorrhoids, and spike lavender and juniper (Juniperus communis) are recommended for rheumatism.

To prepare salts for the bath, add one or two handfuls of Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts to boiling water until they are dissolved, and then add them to the tub.

A sitz bath, or hip bath, can also be taken at home to treat hemorrhoids and promote healing of an episiotomy. There are special apparatus available for taking a seated sitz bath, but it can also be taken in a regular tub partially filled with warm water.

 

Hydrotherapy for Arthritis

Approximately 20 million Americans suffering from arthritis seek medical attention for their chronic, and sometimes acute, condition. Currently, there is no cure for arthritis, and conventional medical treatment is not entirely effective in preventing or stopping the pain and disability that results from arthritis. A variety of methods, allopathic and alternative, exist to manage the symptoms of arthritis. Exercise therapy has been proven effective in relieving pain and improving mobility — however, for people with arthritis, normal exercise can be painful. Hydrotherapy offers a way to exercise and improve body functions without putting so much stress on your painful joints.

 

Hydrotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)

Hydrotherapy can be a beneficial form of treatment for individuals with arthritic conditions. During hydrotherapy, a person is submersed in water, either to soak or to exercise. A hydrotherapist can instruct a patient on the types of movements appropriate for his or her condition. Hydrotherapy can be especially useful to treat the joint pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis ((RA). The painful swelling in the joints that occurs with rheumatoid arthritis has been shown to decrease with hydrotherapy. The warmth of the water is effective on the joints and soft tissues to decrease swelling and improve mobility in those joints. When you are in the water, the gravitational forces on the body are reduced; thus the joints have a lighter load to bear during exercise.

Hydrotherapy with warm water or jets can also help increase blood flow, delivering more oxygen-rich blood to areas of the body that need it. Warm water is soothing to the muscles and can release tension associated with arthritic conditions, decreasing pain and inflammation in arthritis patients. Several studies have shown that hydrotherapy is an effective treatment to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

 

Hydrotherapy for Osteoarthritis (OA)

Hydrotherapy can also be effective in helping those individuals with osteoarthritis (OA). Several studies have shown that strength training and aerobic exercise can reduce pain and improve the physical function and general health of people with osteoarthritis in their knees. Water’s buoyancy offers an alternative method for getting exercise by allowing easier joint movement and being virtually impact-free, making it an excellent choice for people with painful joints.

To test the effectiveness of hydrotherapy, a study in Australia conducted a trial involving sedentary individuals with painful knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. Fifty-five participants attended water-exercise classes for one hour twice a week for 12 weeks. Assessments of the participants’ pain and physical function were made before the beginning of the trial, after 12 weeks of classes, and again 12 weeks after the end of the classes. The hydrotherapy group showed significant improvement in function as well as reduction in pain. These clinical benefits were generally sustained for three additional months after the classes ended.

The Arthritis Foundation has found that the warmth and massage effect, as well as the simulated weightlessness of whirlpool baths can be a great benefit in alleviating the pain of this disease. Soaking in water relaxes muscles, which enables a wider range of motion with less pain and strain.

Other studies have shown that diabetes patients require reduced doses of insulin after hydrotherapy. In addition, some have lost weight or showed decreases in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. Many have benefited from improved sleep as well as an improved sense of overall health.

Hydrotherapy offers considerable benefits for the disabled. These patients benefit specifically from increased blood flow to skeletal muscles, which can help prevent atrophy.

Hydrotherapy can also assist in recovery from stroke, brain injury, and orthopedic surgery; it can benefit women before and after giving birth. By relieving stress, it strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

Massage stimulates the lymphatic system and helps hasten the elimination of toxins (e.g., lactic acid) from the body.

Massage increase flexibility and range of motion, reduces inflammation, and increases joint mobility. It is used to relieve and even to help prevent sports injuries. It also improves muscle tone and circulation, and relieves neuromuscular problems.

In addition to all of the aforementioned benefits, hydrotherapy will help improve overall fitness, develop water-confidence, improve balance and coordination, and help relieve pain from work-related injuries.

Hydrotherapy focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into disease, that is, before constrictions and imbalance can do further damage.

 

Hydrotherapy — Whirlpools

Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is one of the oldest, safest, and lease expensive methods for treating many common ailments. It is very popular at world-class health spas in Europe and elsewhere, but with the advent of hydro-massage whirlpools, it can no be experienced in the comfort and privacy of one’s own home.

Tension and stress are unavoidable with today’s hectic lifestyles. They can take a heavy toll on the body and mind, and the most effective source of relief is total relaxation.

Having a whirlpool spa in one’s master bath is like having a personal masseuse available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without the cost and inconvenience.

The warmth of the whirlpool’s hot water relieves muscular pain and stiffness, while its hydro-massage feature relaxes the body and clears the mind. Whether to unwind from the complexities of everyday life, to relieve muscular pain, or just to allow more restful sleep, hydrotherapy contributes to well being …. naturally.

Discomfort caused by arthritis, sports injuries, or poor circulation can all be eased by regular sessions in a hydrotherapy whirlpool.

The treatment can also be beneficial for relief of the symptoms of colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, sciatica, fibromyalgia. It has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of high blood pressure, migraines, premenstrual cramps, varicose veins, and yeast infections. Many physicians and therapists recommend hydrotherapy as part of a rehab program following surgery or injury.

Muscle pain leads to bad posture, which in turn stiffens and tenses the muscles even more. One way to break this vicious cycle is to gently massage the affected areas.

The water and air forced through the jet nozzles of the whirlpool creates such an action. This relieves muscle tensions in six areas of the body: neck, shoulder, mid-back, lower back, thighs, and feet.

The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 85-90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles, while creating the relaxing sensation of weightlessness. The effects of turbulence and buoyancy combined with warm water help to ease pain and reduce muscle spasm.

Immersion in hot water raises body temperature; the massaging bubbles stimulate circulation by dilating blood vessels, enabling them to carry more oxygen and nutrients. This helps to revitalize and renew worn and damaged tissue.

Stimulating pressure points with massage and heat triggers the release of endorphins, the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing; it also slows and deepens breathing. Adding aromatic fragrances to the water will heighten the experience and help the patient sleep more easily and deeply.

Arthritis is a family of over a hundred separate diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and lupus. By some estimates, one out of every three families has someone who suffers from this condition.

Today’s whirlpools have gone far beyond their humble origins of hydro-massage therapy. High-end units now feature the most advanced design and technology available.

 

Research and General Acceptance

Hydrotherapy treatments are used by both allopathic and complementary medicine to treat a wide variety of discomforts and disorders.

 

Resources:

Books

Chaltow, Leon. Hydrotherapy: Water Therapy for Health and Beauty. Boston, MA: Element Books, 1999.

Pelletier, Dr. Kenneth R. The Best Alternative Medicine, Part 1: Naturopathic Medicine. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2002.

 

Periodicals

Baird, Carol L. “First-Line Treatment for Osteoarthritis: Part 2: Nonpharmacologic Interventions and Evaluation.” Orthopaeodic Nursing 20 (November-December 2001); 13-20.

Barker, K.K., H. Dawes, P. Hansford, and D. Shamley. “Perceived and Measured Levels of Exertion of Patients with Chronic Back Pain Exercising in a Hydrotherapy Pool.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 84 (September 2003); 1319-1323.

Cider, A., M. Schaufelberger, K.S. Sunnerhagen, and B. Andersson. “Hydrotherapy-A New Approach to Improve Function in the Older Patient with Chronic Heart Failure.” European Journal of Heart Failure 5 (August 2003); 527-535.

Johnson Kate. “Hydrotherapy Greatly Eases Delivery Stress, Pain.” OB GYN News 34 (November 1999); 27.

Keegan, L. “Therapies to Reduce Stress and Anxiety.” Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America 15 (September 2003); 321-327

Mayhall, C.G. “The Epidemiology of Burn Wound Infections: Then and Now.” Clinical Infectious Diseases 37 (August 15, 2003); 543-550.

Molter, N.C. “Creating a Healing Environment for Critical Care.” Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America 15 (September 2003); 295-304.

Taylor, S. “The Ventilated Patient Undergoing Hydrotherapy: A Case Study.” Australian Critical Care 16 (August 2003); 111-115.

 

Organizations

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. 8201 Greensboro Dr., Ste. 300, McLean, Virginia 22102. (206) 298-0126. http//naturopathic.org.

Canadian Naturopathic Association/Association canadienne de naturopathie. 1255 Sheppard Avenue East at Leslie, North York, ON M2K 1E2 (800) 551-4381 or (416) 496-8633. http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca

 

Definitions

Hydrotherapy/ hy-dro-ther-a-py/ (-ther’ah-pe) the application of water, usually externally, in the treatment of disease.

hy-dro-ther-a-py ((hi-dro-ther’a-‘pe) n. External use of water in the medical treatment of certain diseases. The American Heritage® Dictionary Copyright ©2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

hydrotherapy (hi-dro-the-re-pe) n. Therapeutic modalities that use water, such as whirlpools or Sitz baths. Jonas: Mosby’s Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (c) 2005, Elsevier.

Question: Is the whirlpool plumbed with Rigid Schedule 40 PVC or Flex Hose?

All Watertech Whirlpool Baths are plumbed with Rigid Schedule 40 PVC Pipe which meets ALL of the requirements of the Standard and International Building Codes. Other manufacturers use Flexible PVC Hose which is NOT code compliant.

Flex.PVC.com states “The Building Industry refers to Flexible PVC as a hose not a pipe. Flex PVC is not resistant to insects and wholesalers of Flex PVC will not be responsible for failure due to insect damage.”

Rigid, heat formed, PVC piping on a Watertech Whirlpool Bath insures lines stay clean and drain 100% after each use meeting U.L. requirements for drainage.

Some companies state they use Rigid PVC pipe on their baths, but a close inspection of their baths will reveal a mixed use of rigid pipe and flex hose. Flex hose often sags which allows bath water to collect in low areas and not drain when the whirlpool is emptied. This “trapped” bath water can lead to dirty, contaminated water re-entering your tub the next time it is filled.

It’s widely known that flex hose (garden hose) eventually dries out and cracks and needs replacing, the same problem exists with flex hose when installed on a whirlpool bath. We are regularly asked, “If flex hose doesn’t meet code, why can manufacturers use it on whirlpool bath?” Whirlpool baths are listed as an “appliance” that fall outside the purview of Building Inspectors, who would never approve of flex hose in a new home construction or remodeling. This “loophole” will eventually be changed, but for now the consumer has the responsibility to select a whirlpool that they find acceptable in quality and performance.

Question: Is the Air Bath manufactured with injectors or drilled holes?

Watertech uses only air injectors with built-in brass check valve protection. The check valve opens and closes when the blower is switched on or off preventing water from ever entering into the air system (pipes, blower, manifold, etc).Many manufacturers to avoid using expensive air injectors with integrated check valves, either use an injector with no check valve or the drilled hole and channel method.

The drilled hole method is comprised of drilling holes through the tub and into an air channel that is fiber glassed onto the bottom of the tub. They refer to the drilled holes as injectors or air jets, which they obviously are not. The drilled holes allow water to flow into the air system when filling and emptying the bath, which is not conducive for good hygiene. Each Watertech injector has 7 air ports that release air into the bath. For example, our model 6032 Elite has 27 injectors releasing air through 189 air ports.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS!!!

Click here to download Watertech Installation Booklet

Types of Whirlpool installations:

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS!!!

Click here to download Oak Tub Skirt installation
Click here to download Acrylic Skirt installation

ELECTRICAL/SAFETY INFORMATION

Read all information and instructions before installation and operation

WARNING: all electrical connections should be made by a licensed certified electrician in accordance with the requirements of national electrical codes and procedures. Remember to also check electrical codes and procedures for your local area.

WARNING: verification of electrical requirements must be made before installation. Refer to voltage and frequency requirements on all electrical devices.

WARNING: when using electrical products basic precautions should always be followed

DANGER: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK!!! This unit requires one or more dedicated circuits protected by Ground Fault Interrupter (GFCI). All know code authorities require GFCI’s for pump motors, lights, heaters, blowers, controls etc.

ATTENTION: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK!!! Do not permit any electrical appliances (radio, light, telephone, television, etc) within five feet of the whirlpool or air bath.

CAUTION: before the use of the pump, heater or any other electrical device on the tub, test the GFCI for proper operation. Note: a heater will only operate if the pump is running and the tub has been filled.

CAUTION: Do not operate this unit without the guard cover over the suction fittings. Keep hair, towels and clothing away from suction fittings and suction guard covers. The suction guard cover is a safety device designed to eliminate the bathers hair or body part potentially getting trapped in the suction fittings.

PRECAUTIONS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURY: prolonged immersion in hot water may induce hyperthermia.. Hyperthermia occurs when the internal temperature of the body reaches a level several degrees above the normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees. The symptoms of hypothermia include an increase of the internal temperature of the body, dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, and fainting. Water in a whirlpool should not exceed 104 degrees F. Lower temperatures are advised for extended use of the whirlpool and definitely for young children. Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should consult their physician before using a whirlpool. Water temperature above 100 degrees F is not recommended.

Use of drugs, alcohol or medication before or during the use of a whirlpool tub or airbath may lead to unconsciousness and possible drowning. Consult with a physician before using a whirlpool or airbath.

Electrical Information

All whirlpool pumps and heaters require separate 115 VAC Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). Follow all local, state and national codes. Do not operate a whirlpool bath should the GFCI fail.Disconnect the whirlpool bath from the electrical outlet and have the problem corrected by a licensed electrician. Mood lights, because they are low voltage, can typically be plugged into a pump circuit. ALWAYS follow your local code requirements.

Each Watertech Whirlpool Bath comes with an air button that is installed at the factory. Simply push the round button once to turn the tub on and push again to turn the tub off.

If an optional Low Water Sensor is ordered, the pump will be plugged into a black plastic box called a TF-ITD. The air button tube will then connect to the TF-ITD, NOT the pump. The TF-ITD will plug into your electrical outlet.

If an optional Variable Flow Control System is ordered, the pump will be plugged into a black box called an EP840. An electronic round control button will be installed on the tub replacing the air button, it will plug into the EP840. The Variable Flow Valve will also plug into the EP840 control black box.

Both the Low Water Sensor and the Variable Flow Control system are completely hooked up when the whirlpool leaves the factory. The only thing the installer needs to do is plug the black control boxes into the electrical outlet. If a tub has two pumps, then two Variable Flow Control Systems must be ordered. Remember, both the Low Water Sensor and Variable Flow Control System are optional and do not come standard on any whirlpool.

User Maintenance

Surface Cleaning

For normal maintenance, clean the surface with a soft cloth, a mild soap or liquid detergent and then rinse off completely. Never use abrasive cleaners, acetone, lacquer thinners, gasoline, scouring compounds, scouring pads, steel wool pads or harsh chemicals.

 

System Cleaning

Cleaning the inside of the tubs pipes, jets and pump on a regular bases is important to keep the system fresh and clean. Two to three times a year or more (if desired) fill the whirlpool bath with hot water. The water level should be above the highest jet. Add dishwashing detergent or bleach to the water and then turn the pump on for a minimum of 2 minutes. Let the system soak for 30 minutes and then drain the tub.

 

Air Injector Cleaning/Servicing

Each air injector has a 7 hole/port metal strainer cover that snaps inside the injector. Located beneath the strainer is a water tight air check valve. To clean or service an injector pry the strainer cover out of the injector then use needle nose pliers and remove the air check valve. Clean and then reassemble.

 

Surface Scratch Removal

Light scratches or scuffs can be easily removed by the homeowner by using 3M Super Duty rubbing compound on the blemish. After the scratch is removed, use 3M Imperial Hand Glaze to buff the acrylic surface. Deeper scratches can be removed by the following methods:

• Sanding with wet 400 grit sandpaper
• Sanding with wet 600 grit sandpaper
• Sanding with wet 1000 grit sandpaper
• Buff with 3M Super Duty rubbing compound
• Buff with 3M Imperial Hand Glaze

Any significant damage to the acrylic can usually be repaired by a trained repair person. Google acrylic repair, fiberglass repair, tub resurfacing or call WaterTech for technicians in your area.

Trouble Shooting guide

Pump Blower or Motor Does Not Start

1. GFCI or circuit breaker in off position leaking
   • Check ciruit breaker panel or GFI outlet where Pump is plugged in to verify power source.
2. Tubing disconnected from button or switch on motor
3. Breaker tripped
4. Thermal overload on motor tripped
   • Allow motor to cool down.
5. Disconnected or defective wiring
   • Call an electrician.
6. Low Voltage

Motor Blower Overheats

1. Low voltage
   • Call electrician.
2. Inadequate ventilation
   • Create a large dead air space for proper air circulation.
3. Wiring is too small
4. Thermal overload on motor tripped
   • Call an electrician.

Low Jet or Pump Pressure

1. 3 speed control knob is in low position
   • Adjust knob to medium or high setting.
2. Jest are in off position
   • Turn face of jet clockwise to increase pressure.

Blower runs, air is not coming out of Injectors

1. Manifold hose is disconnected
   • Reconnect hose with pipe clamps.

Leak at pump

1. Shaft seal leaking
   • call WaterTech for new pump.
2. Leak at pump or heater unions
   • Verify O-ring is in proper location and tighten unions.

Mood Light doesn’t function

1. No Power
   • Verify unit is plugged in.
2. Tubing disconnected
   • Reattach tubing to button and or light box.
3. Burned-out Bulb
   • Replace bulb, Instructions on page 6 of Watertech Installation Booklet.

GFCI Tripping

1. Two components are on one circuit
   • Call electrician.
2. Incorrectly wired
   • Call electrician.

Air Blower starts on its own

1. The air system is designed to turn on automatically 30 minutes after use.
   • Blower will run for 5 minutes, but do not turn off blower during purging cycle. This will restart the countdown for the purge all over again.
2. A power outage may cause the blower’s purge cycle to start.

Blower runs, not all injectors working

1. Injectors clogged with hard water, or debris
   • Remove and clean strainer cap, and check valve.
   • Click here for a visual guide to clean an injector.