Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is a complementary therapy that uses water for health purposes.
Depending on the industry and use, some may also refer to the treatments as aquatic therapy, water therapy, or hydropathy.
There are many uses for different types of hydrotherapy, including treating joint pain with water exercises and easing muscle stress with cold or hot showers or baths.
People should always discuss hydrotherapy with a doctor or physical therapist before adding it to a treatment program.

Water therapy uses either hot or cold water, with the water pressure and flow varying among treatments. The intention is to ease both physical and mental symptoms.
Some hydrotherapy practices are as simple as sitting in a warm bath, which people can do at home. Other practices involve specialist locations or equipment, such as a cold sauna.
Possible locations and equipment for hydrotherapy may include:
- physical therapy tanks
- swimming pools
- whirlpool spas
- hot tubs
- saunas
- showers
- baths
The procedure for using each will vary greatly depending on the goal of treatment and the practitioner.
Hydrotherapy may offer a range of benefits, including:
Reducing pain
The warm water may ease the signals for pain, relax the muscles, and increase blood flow, reducing pain in the area.
Improving mental health
The
Additionally, many may find that swimming improves their mood and helps release tension through exercise.
Arthritis symptoms
People with some types of arthritis may benefit from hydrotherapy, as well. For example, one study found that people with osteoarthritis in the knee had improved markers of pain and knee function after 8 weeks of aquatic exercise.
Low impact
One of the key benefits of hydrotherapy techniques, such as aquatic exercise, is that they are very low impact.
People can do these activities in water without putting too much stress on their joints. As a result, people can stick to a workout plan while reducing symptoms such as pain.
Relaxation
Many forms of hydrotherapy also aid relaxation,
Recovering from workouts
Athletes sometimes use various forms of hydrotherapy in which they alternate between warm and cold water. Many feel that this form of contrast hydrotherapy helps them recover from hard workouts and
Pregnancy and hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy may help with the general aches and pains that pregnancy can cause. Some people
Research into the benefits and uses of hydrotherapy is ongoing. There is still a lack of evidence to support some hydrotherapy health claims.
A doctor, physical therapist, or alternative health practitioner can offer advice on which type of hydrotherapy is best, depending on an individual’s health goals.
Aquatic exercise
Aquatic exercise is a low impact form of physical activity, which typically takes place in a pool using specialist equipment. It allows people to work the muscles and raise the heart rate without putting much stress on the joints.
These exercise routines are
Warm water baths
Soaking in a warm water bath is a form of hydrotherapy. The person may also add salts and minerals, essential oils, or other ingredients to enhance the bath.
Sitz bath
A sitz bath is a shallow bath using either warm or cold water. Practitioners may recommend sitz baths for relief from issues such as cramps or hemorrhoids.
Wraps, compresses, and fomentation
Wraps and compresses using hot, warm, or cold water are also a form of hydrotherapy. These may provide targeted relief from mild symptoms and support treatment.
Saunas
Depending on the definition, saunas may include both wet and dry heat saunas, as well as cool or refrigerated saunas. These involve sitting in a room set to a specific temperature with either humid or dry air.
Water circuit therapy
Water circuit therapy or contrast hydrotherapy involves going through a few different forms of hydrotherapy one after the other, generally alternating between warm and cold water to promote circulation and help ease symptoms.
The circuit may vary greatly depending on the practitioner and the person receiving treatment, but it could include various techniques such as:
- warm baths
- wet or dry saunas
- cold plunges
- cool baths
Immersion therapies
Immersion therapies are those that involve a person immersing themselves in water for relief. They include:
- warm baths
- cool baths
- cold plunges
- sitz baths
- hot tubs with jet massages
- whirlpool baths
Hydrotherapy may have various uses as a complementary therapy to standard treatment.
Relaxing hydrotherapy practices, such as saunas and foot baths, may help ease stress and allow a person to relax or alleviate painful symptoms.
In each case, it is still important to work with a doctor to determine the most suitable practices for the individual.