RehabWorks - Hydrotherapy

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The most common injury to both amateur and professional golfers involves the lower back/lumbosacral spine. Approximately 65-80% of golfers have a disabling back injury at one time or another.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy (water therapy) is one of the oldest therapeutic methods for managing physical dysfunctions. It has been advocated for the treatment of inflammation, pain, joint stiffness, adhesions, arthritis, and as a warm-up to assist with exercise. Hydrotherapy achieves its desired effects through the physical properties of water, temperature, and agitation. Hydrotherapy is performed in water tanks (whirlpools) of varying sizes and shapes. Usually extremities are treated in these tanks. Whirlpools are an effective method of applying heat or cold to an irregularly shaped area. Energy is transferred to or from the body by means of convection. The presence of water creates a good supportive medium for active range of motion (AROM) exercises. With slow moving exercise, the buoyancy of the limb assists motion. When exercises are performed more rapidly, the water creates a resistance to movements. The agitation and aeration of the water, provided by the turbine, provides a massaging effect resulting in sedation, analgesia, and increased circulation.

Whirlpools are characterized by the use of a turbine that regulates the water flow and the amount of air introduced into the flow (aeration). Water is introduced through an inlet on the turbine's stem where the motor forces it back into the tub causing agitation of the water (the whirlpool effect). Air is also introduced into the stream causing bubbles to circulate in the tank. The agitation and aeration are controlled by separate valves and can be adjusted to produce a wide range of effects.

	+ Freedom of Information Act + NASA Privacy Statement, Disclaimer, and Accessibility Certification		Editor: Erik Nason NASA Official: David A. Tipton Last Updated: September 30, 2004