HYDROTHERAPY

WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY?

Hydrotherapy is used at DeCrescenzo Chiropractic to treat many painful conditions. Superficial Heat Therapy is used to relax the muscles, increase circulation, and can provide relief to patients with chronic pain.

In contrast to deep heating modalities, superficial heating modalities usually do not heat deep tissues, like muscles. This is because the layer of fat beneath the skin's surface acts as a thermal insulator and inhibits heat transfer. Additionally, increased blood flow from superficial heating causes a cooling reaction as it removes the heat that is applied externally.

WHEN MAY HEAT THERAPY BE USED?

Heat therapy is mostly used to treat problems that cause the patient pain. It is particularly useful in the treatment of back pain, period pain, neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and pain associated with damaged nerves.

HOW DOES HEAT THERAPY WORK?

The doctors at DeCrescenzo Chiropractic utilize hot packs, warm moist towels and healing pads to help raise the temperature of soft tissues directly below the surface of the skin. Heat therapy increases the temperature of the skin and underlying tissues. It can open up the capillaries and increase blood flow. When the blood flow is increased, more oxygen gets to the muscles and other organs. It may also loosen tissues which helps with problems related to stiffness. The heat also stimulates the body's temperature receptors (or thermoreceptors), which help it stop feeling pain.

Hydrotherapy is a good way to increase flexibility and range of motion and also promote increased circulation to speed the healing process.