Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Kinds of Hydrotherapy Equipment?

Donn Saylor
Donn Saylor

The different kinds of hydrotherapy equipment on the market harness the healing power of water and its restorative properties. Hydrotherapy tubs, showers, thermal capsules, and Scotch hoses are among the most popular types of hydrotherapy supplies. These provisions might be found in a spa, hydrotherapy clinic, or hospital; home hydrotherapy supplies are also sold for personal use.

Hydrotherapy tubs can come in several different styles. All hydrotherapy tubs have underwater jets that gently massage the bather; they may have as few as six or seven jets or as many as 200, depending on the individual hydrotherapy tub. Some tubs fit one person comfortably, while others are designed to be used by more than one individual at a time. A hydrotherapy bath can be enhanced by any number of special added features on the tub itself. These include lights that tint the water relaxing colors, built-in seats and bed-like platforms, and preprogrammed operations that offer a selection of water-jet massages.

Colon hydrotherapy equipment is used to flush out the colon.
Colon hydrotherapy equipment is used to flush out the colon.

Showers are also designed specifically for hydrotherapy use. The two most common are Swiss showers and Vichy showers. In a Swiss shower, the unit itself is either rounded or triangular in shape. The individual stands in the center of the unit and a series of showerheads dispense water from three or more different directions.

With a Vichy shower, the individual is lying down. A hydrotherapy professional uses a handheld showerhead to bathe the individual. This type of shower is typically utilized in combination with other body treatments, such as massage, mud baths, or herbal wraps.

Hydrotherapy-type tubs known as whirlpool tubs are popular additions to home bathrooms.
Hydrotherapy-type tubs known as whirlpool tubs are popular additions to home bathrooms.

Thermal capsules are another popular kind of hydrotherapy equipment. These are multipurpose units that are capable of providing different healing treatments. A typical thermal capsule might combine a Vichy shower system, a steam bath, an aromatherapy diffuser, and colored lighting options.

A Scotch hose is a special jet hose used as hydrotherapy equipment. The hydrotherapist traditionally stands approximate 10 feet (3.05 meters) away from the individual and controls the hose, which sprays water directly on the client. The therapist uses the water as a massage tool, maneuvering it in various directions to create a powerful body treatment.

All hydrotherapy tubs have underwater jets that gently massage the bather.
All hydrotherapy tubs have underwater jets that gently massage the bather.

Colon hydrotherapy equipment is a commonly utilized method of flushing out the colon to maintain health. As in traditional types of hydrotherapy, this practice uses water to heal and restore the body. The procedure can be done either by a professional colon hydrotherapist or by purchasing the necessary equipment to perform it at home.

Discussion Comments

allenJo

Well, when you consider that the human body is mostly water, you can understand why a hydrotherapy spa is so effective at the treatment of so many maladies.

Warm baths are successful in my opinion because they get your blood flowing, open up your pores and clean your body of toxins. No medicine can do that for you.

Even the ancients recognized that; the Romans and Greeks had spas in the public square, although I doubt that such an arrangement would be hygienically sound by modern standards.

nony

@everetra - I’ve never had hydrotherapy treatment myself, but I know someone who did.

It actually wasn’t formal treatment as such. This guy had slipped or injured his disc, or something like that, and he told me that every evening he goes to the pool and swims for an hour simply as a form of treatment.

He stays with the regimen religiously and it has helped him a lot. I don’t doubt it at all. I’ve heard that in sports medicine sometimes the physical therapists will recommend pool therapy to help the patient’s body recover and improve range of motion.

What I like about this kind of therapy is that it is completely natural; no drugs, no cortisone, no surgery.

everetra

Nothing beats hot tub therapy in my opinion. I sit in a desk working on a computer all day and have developed neck, arm and shoulder strains. I went to a chiropractor and he did some massage treatments which helped a little.

However, I spent a weekend at a friend’s house and he showed me his brand new hot tub. He let me get in it and within fifteen minutes all of the strains, aches and pains were gone. It was far more effective than any treatment that I had received from the chiropractor.

I am a great believer in hydrotherapy and hot tubs are at the top of my list. They’re expensive, to be sure, but I’m getting one for myself even if I have to finance it.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Colon hydrotherapy equipment is used to flush out the colon.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      Colon hydrotherapy equipment is used to flush out the colon.
    • Hydrotherapy-type tubs known as whirlpool tubs are popular additions to home bathrooms.
      By: milkovasa
      Hydrotherapy-type tubs known as whirlpool tubs are popular additions to home bathrooms.
    • All hydrotherapy tubs have underwater jets that gently massage the bather.
      By: Photographee.eu
      All hydrotherapy tubs have underwater jets that gently massage the bather.