Hydrokinesiotherapy is a professionally leaded active-therapy that uses the beneficial effects of the aquatic environment. The mechanical effect of water consists in the action of hydrostatic pressure and hydrostatic buoyancy. The water temperature usually ranges from 34 to 36 °C. The depth of the rehabilitation pool is 120 cm – 130 cm with the length of the exercise 20-30 minutes.
The exercise if performed in groups or individually with a focus on the diagnosis. At present, a number of methodologies and aids are available which can be used to influence the purpose and significance of hydrokinesiotherapy, especially for specific diseases. It is possible to influence and improve the state of health within the spa treatment. Some techniques require the presence of a physiotherapist in the water with the patient. However, the physiotherapist should not be in the water without a break for more than 2 hours. Water resistance can be increased by a countercurrent device.
The resistance of the water strengthens the individual muscle groups, while the static and dynamic function develops harmoniously. The water pressure acts as a light lymphatic drainage, at den same time it pleasantly facilitates the buoyancy by reducing the effect of gravity, which affects the proprioceptive signaling and thus the quality and coordination of movement. All these circumstances manifest themselves as positive factors which, in addition to improving mobility, reducing pain, have a positive effect on the patient’s psyche. Therefore, it is safe even in people with insufficient muscle corset. The great importance has dynamic stabilization exercises that develop muscles for stability. It is easier to achieve muscle relaxation, which improves the ability to repeat maximum muscle tension. Movements in the water are less painful. In the water, it is possible to practice walking after injuries and operations on the lower limbs, where full load is not yet allowed. This makes it possible to influence the positive results of hydrokinesiotherapy in spa facilities.
Staying in spa facilities with the possible use of hydrokinesiotherapy allows, in addition to balneotherapy with natural thermal healing waters, also the rational use of all components of spa regimen treatment. Hydrokinesiotherapy is also suitable for chronic and recurrent problems. Many scientific papers and randomized prospective studies on physiological mechanisms confirm the importance of hydrokinesiotherapy.
Konstantinos Kouskoukis
Professor of Dermatology – Lawyer
B’ Vice President GDHI
President Hellenic Academy of Thermal Medicine
President World Academy of Chinese & Complimentary Medicine