Hydrotherapy Basics and Properties

Study Notes

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic modality that uses water in various forms (hot, cold, steam, liquid, ice) to treat physical and psychological dysfunctions.

Specific Gravity: The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of water. Water has a specific gravity of 1.0 at 4 degrees Celsius, while the human body has a specific gravity of 0.974.
Density: The relationship between the substance's mass and volume. If an object has a density less than or equal to water, it will float; if its density is greater than water, it will sink.
Buoyancy: The upward thrust experienced by a body submerged in a fluid, opposing gravity. This effect is utilized to assist movements and reduce stress on joints, muscles, and connective tissue.
Hydrostatic Pressure: Pressure exerted on an immersed body by surrounding water. It increases with depth and liquid density, impacting ease of movement.
Cohesion: The inherent attraction between water molecules, resulting in increased viscosity and resistance to motion compared to air.
Viscosity: Internal friction within a liquid, resisting relative motion. The greater the liquid's speed, the higher its viscosity.
Turbulence: Irregular movement of water molecules, often created by underwater douches or turbines.
Specific Heat: The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance by 1 degree Celsius. Water retains heat well, approximately 1000 times more than air.