Hydrotherapy is an ancient tradition, still used in luxurious health spas around the world. In fact, spas originally developed around natural mineral springs and offered a variety of treatments using mineral water, including water massage. There are many varieties, including the use of showers, hoses and dry water systems using massage chairs and beds. It also includes in-pool treatments using acupressure massage.
Dry water massage systems
Dry water massage systems offer the benefits of water massage without the inconvenience of actually getting wet. You lie down fully clothed on a self-contained chair or bed. The equipment contains jets that spray streams of heated water against the waterproof barrier on which you lie. The force of the water against your body provides the massage effect. Manufacturers of this equipment claim that it relieves pain and increases blood circulation. It's a wonderful experience, but there is no scientific research to validate the claims of manufacturers.
Use of water jets
Hydrotherapy tubs use jets set in the tub to massage your muscles as you recline in the tub. Lymph drainage massage can also be performed in a hydrotherapy tub. Either the jets are set to low pressure that mimics the lymphatic system, or the therapist uses a light stream of water from a hose to massage your skin, stimulating lymph circulation. A Vichy shower is a series of five to seven shower heads arranged over a waterproof treatment table. You will be lightly covered by a towel and the therapist will adjust the heat and water pressure so that it cascades over your body in a soothing therapeutic stream. A Scotch douche is a more radical water massage. The word douche means shower, and the client is sprayed with alternating hot and cold water from pressurized hoses. It is very vigorous, and can even be irritating.
In-pool treatments
In water acupressure treatments, you will be supported in a warm pool by the therapist, who moves your body through a range of stretches that come from Asian styles of massage such as shiatsu or Thai massage. You could think of it as two-person yoga in a pool. It requires trust in your therapist, so it might not be the best form of water massage for someone who can't completely relax and give herself to the therapist. If you can relax and trust your therapist to keep your head above water, this is probably the most enjoyable and luxurious form of water massage.
Considerations
Water massage is gentle and generally safe. You should avoid any form of massage, including water massage, if you have a history of blood clots or currently have a blood clot, have a recent injury that is not improving or if you have an infection or fever. If you have recently had surgery, ask your physician when it is safe to have a massage.
Locations
Look for spas that are near natural mineral springs for traditional hydrotherapy treatments, including water massage. Some spas located near the ocean offer thalassotherapy, hydrotherapy treatments with sea water, often in a special thalassotherapy tub with jets that spray sea water over your muscles.
References
- "The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists;" Steve Capellini; 2009
- "Watsu Freeing the Body in Water;" Harold Dull; 2008
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