INTRODUCTION:

Whirlpool therapy is the traditional treatment in which the water is kept in constant movement by mechanically. It gives the various health benefits in promoting and improving circulation, relaxation. It is combined with water application and mechanical stimulation. It involves the use of unique properties in water to achieve therapeutic effects. [1]

MEANING:

It is otherwise known as hydrotherapy. Initially it was used in pain management. Later it is used for wound management.

Hippocrates documented his early use of hydrotherapy; it was named as hydropathy:

HISTORY:

· This practice dates as far back as 45ooBC

· It is a vital component of life among ancient Roman culture

· It spreads through Europe in the 17^th and 18^th centuries

· Finally made it to the US in the mid-1700s

· It is most popular in America today [2]

USES OF WHIRLPOOL THERAPY:

· Sports injury (muscle and joints)

· Arthritis

· Diabetes

· Multiple sclerosis

· Cerebral palsy

· Stress, headaches

· Sleep disorders [2][3]

DISADVANTAGES:

· Wound over hydration

· Maceration of the periwound

· Risk of cross - contamination if it is unsterile

· Altered sensation

· Poor balance

· Hydrophobia [2][3]

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS: [2][3]

Cleaning effects	Pressure, dissolved surfactant and anti-microbial
Musculoskeletal effects	Decreased weight bearing, strengthening, slow bone density loss
Cardiovascular effects	Increased venous circulation, increased CO, decreases heart rate and systolic BP
Respiratory effects	Decreases vital capacity, increases work load, decrease exercise induced asthma
Renal effects	Diuresis, increased sodium and potassium excretion
Psychological effects	Relaxation

TYPES OF WP THERAPY: (Generally cold water, hot water and Aquatic exercise) [3][4]

1. Water Circuit therapy

2. Aquatic Exercise

3. Aquatic massage

4. Steam Baths

5. Saunas

1. Water circuit therapy:

It combines of multiple forms of water therapy

· 10-20 minutes in a hot tub = Helps to warm and massage the tight muscles

· 10 minutes in a sauna = Helps to increase sweating and circulation

· 10-20 minutes in a cool bath = Helps to bring down the body temperature

· 10 minutes in a cold bath = Helps to reduce pain, minimize inflammation and boost the mood

It is so effective in both cold water and hot water therapy.

Cold water	Hot water
Reduce muscle damage	Relieve stress
Reduce inflammation	Relax tight muscles and joints
Relieve pain	Promote good sleep
Improve the mood	Promote clearer skin

2. Aquatic Exercise: (Exercise takes place in water)

It is beneficial for people with arthritis, sore muscles and joints or injuries. It is a good choice for older adults, Chronic arthritis, Heart disease and Diabetes.

Key note: People need to practice hot tub yoga, do some basic exercises in the pool or hot tub before going to Aquatic exercises.

3. Aquatic Massage: (Massage takes place in water)

· It can be practiced in professional massage service or at home

· Need is a hot tub, pool or bath tub in all setup

· Professional physical therapist guidance is needed when you have injuries

4. Steam bath: (Immersing you in steam rather than water)

Advantages:

· Improve circulation (reduce BP, wound healing and better cardiac health)

· Better skin (removal of dirt and dead skin)

· Workout recovery (reduce pain, improve muscle strength and muscle relaxation)

· Loosen stiff joints

· Reduced stress (release of endorphins to reduce stress)

5. Saunas: (Use of dry heat)

Benefits:

· Relief pain

· Reduced stress

· Better cardiovascular health

· Skin cleanliness

· Relief of asthma

PRINCIPLES OF WP THERAPY:

· Buoyancy of water: (hydrostatic weighing)- assist or resist with the exercises of the extremities

· Hydrostatic pressure: (pressure increases as the depth and density of the liquid increases)

· Cohesion: (water molecules have a tendency to attract to each other)

· Viscosity: (internal friction directly on the speed of the liquid) [2]

TEN REASONS TO USE WP THERAPY:

· Reduce swelling

· Relief pain

· Improve ROM

· Wound care

· Science approved

· Complimentary

· Alternative relief

· Improved recovery

· Superior care

· Diverse applications [4][5]

SIDE EFFECTS OF WP THERAPY:

· Fatigue

· Pain

· Muscle soreness

· Bursitis in hip

· Cramps in calf muscle

· Cramps in feet

· Hyperventilation

· Seasickness

· Headache

· Rapid, weak pulse

· Shivering, pallor skin [6][7]

WHIRLPOOL DESIGNS:

· Mobile Whirlpools

· Stationary Whirlpools

· Cold tanks

· Ice baths

· Hubbard burn tanks

· Hydro-Chlor [8][9]

CONCLUSION:

Water can be healing and restorative. It takes a look at the benefits of whirlpool for our health. It is an excellent way in treating the various organ systems and makes us to glow and youthful. It is also helping in improving our mental wellbeing and stress reduction technique too. Hydrotherapy was superior to land –based exercise in relieving pain. Water-based exercises area suitable and effective alternative for the management of pain, improvement of circulation, mobility, comfort after an injury.

REFERENCES:

1. Water cure definition per webster’s 1913 dictionary. Archieved from the original on 28 July 2011

2. History of water cures at Malvern. Archieved on 9 october 2010

3. Anon (2010), Hydropathy, or the cold-water cure, Glasgow

4. American physical therapy association (2018), Five things physicians and patients should question.

5. Prentice WE (2011), Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation, 4^th ed, NewYork.

6. info@aqualivigstores.com

7. Prohealthcareproducts.com

8. Patientslikeme.com

9. Homeceuconnection.com

Received on 15.05.2020 Modified on 14.07.2020

Int. J. of Advances in Nur. Management. 2020; 8(4):338-340.

DOI: 10.5958/2454-2652.2020.00075.X