Water massage for the spine: are there any contraindications?
Hydromassage gained popularity after German doctors noticed that patients regain strength faster in an aquatic environment, because... the body relaxes, and directed jets supplied under pressure act on the spine, providing a therapeutic effect.
Another innovation is the addition of a large number of bubbles. The hydromassage unit creates microbubbles due to nozzles located in the walls of the structure. A mechanical liquid atomizer directs the movement and controls the frequency and configuration of the flow. Currently, many reservoirs are equipped with pulsating models.
The effect of aquatic procedures on the body
In an aquatic environment, a person finds himself in a state of weightlessness; room temperature promotes muscle relaxation, eliminating spasms and pain.
Hydromassage allows you to:
- lose extra pounds - a person loses weight by eliminating fat deposits;
- increased muscle tone and improved skin contributes to improved well-being;
- water procedures will relieve the load on the spine and increase joint mobility.
It helps with problems of the musculoskeletal system, it treats pathologies of the central nervous system and diseases of internal organs, metabolic disorders.
help the spine
hydromassage is possible if:
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system were detected;
- the person sleeps restlessly;
- the patient feels nervous tension or is very tired;
- there was a disruption in the activity of the nervous system.
The procedure has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. After hydrotherapy, endorphins enter the bloodstream, relieving pain.
Those people who have:
- blood clots were found in blood vessels;
- period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis of the back;
- diagnosed with ARVI;
- there are skin and cancer problems;
- high blood pressure;
- bleeding.
The water-air mixture is a therapeutic way to get rid of health problems. The healing session is carried out in artificial reservoirs. Patients of medical institutions are recommended to attend 15-minute sessions. The course of treatment, depending on how you feel, ranges from 10 to 25 procedures. Bathing bowls with a special design are purchased at plumbing stores and installed at home.
Types of hydromassage devices
Hydrotherapy is a rehabilitation method for improving the patient’s health. Consists of bubble, vibration and water action. A positive result is achieved thanks to the vibrations of the massage jet. Shower massage affects relaxed muscles with air and water flow. Bubbles move through the holes in the system. The slots are responsible for the intensity of pressure.
During a physiotherapeutic procedure, water jets affect the human body, creating a massage effect. Its peculiarity is that blood circulation and lymph flow are accelerated, whereby metabolic products are quickly removed from the tissues. During massage, the water jet is served in different ways - cool or heated.
- A contrast shower will relax you, relieve spasms, and calm you down. This is the so-called Charcot shower. After using it, excess weight will go away and swelling will subside.
- In a circular one, thin jets hit the structure from top to bottom onto a person in a lying position.
- In ascending, water comes from below.
- In non-contact hydromassage, the patient is placed on a surface
covered with an elastic membrane. A container with water and hydraulic nozzles is placed under it. - Ultrasonic is the most modern type of water procedure. It is carried out in a special container with special valves - ultrasound sources.
- The underwater type is a bathtub with a flexible pipe, which regulates the pressure, thickness, and degree of impact of the water jet on problem areas.
Important! Hydromassage cannot cure the disease. Its task is to reduce pressure on the affected intervertebral cartilage pads and stop their breakdown.
Rules of conduct during the session
A spa treatment is not only useful, but also leaves a pleasant feeling if you follow simple recommendations.
- After a heavy feast or drinking alcoholic beverages, it is not recommended to go for a hydromassage.
- You should not stay under the jets for a long time. The best option is half an hour.
- It is forbidden to plunge headlong, as the powerful water flow will damage your hearing and vision.
- After the session, excessive activity is not recommended - only peace and relaxation.
During aquamassage, the patient is immersed in a bowl of water, taking a comfortable position to be directly under the pressure of the water mass. To enhance the therapeutic effect, sea crystals are sprinkled or natural aromatic substances are added. The water should be heated to a temperature not reaching forty degrees. Depending on the disease, the water pressure is selected. The water jet is directed at the skin not directly, but obliquely. Powerful pressure is turned on when massaging the legs or arms; weaker pressure is suitable for the torso.
Non-drug method of treating the spine
A hot tub will help improve the well-being of a person with spinal problems. After bathing, pain in the spinal column and limbs will disappear. A water-air mixture is prescribed for lower back diseases. To treat the back, alternate different water procedures. Massage the affected bone areas with water. Water-air flows relieve pressure from damaged areas and improve the motor functions of joints.
Attention!
Only a physician, after a complete diagnosis, prescribes a water procedure based on the patient’s individual testimony. Author: K.M.N., Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences M.A. Bobyr
Is it possible to massage a hernia?
A herniated disc develops when the annulus fibrosus disc that connects the vertebrae to each other becomes damaged. The nucleus it contains protrudes outward and penetrates the intervertebral canal, where many nerve fibers are located. It compresses the nerves, causing pain not only in the affected area, but also in the area for which they are responsible for innervation - the neck, arm, leg.
Massage is one of the manual therapy techniques that has proven itself as an effective remedy. The procedure is recommended for hernia of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Whether it is possible to do massage for spinal hernias and how to do it depends on the patient. At the initial stage, when the fibers of the intervertebral disc are damaged, but it is still intact, massage is prescribed as part of the treatment. At this time it gives the best effect. One course stops the progression of the disease, relieves pain, and starts regenerative processes.
Massage is a combination of weak and strong movements in the form of rubbing, pressure, vibration. Under their influence, the distance between the vertebrae increases, negative pressure is created, under the influence of which the core returns to the disc.
Nutrients that reach hard-to-reach areas:
- improve the regeneration of the disc and cartilage tissue;
- strengthen the ligaments of the spine;
- makes the vertebrae stronger and more resilient.
With protrusion, when the disc cracks increase, but the core remains inside, the approach changes. Massage must be done carefully, otherwise it can provoke the progression of the hernia. The correct technique will stop degenerative processes in the disc.
With prolapse, the nucleus partially comes out, which is accompanied by severe pain. In this case, gentle stroking is recommended, intense exposure is prohibited. Hydrotherapy in the bath has a good effect. The same technique must be followed when extruding. At this stage, the nucleus protrudes greatly from the disc, affecting more nerve endings than with prolapse.
During sequestration, the procedure is prohibited. The hernia does not just bulge, but breaks away from the disc and migrates along the spinal column. This is a very dangerous condition that can cause paralysis. Any load on the spinal table is prohibited. The patient often needs surgery.
The procedure goes well with other methods of physiotherapy - cold, heat, hydrotherapy, electrical nerve stimulation. A good therapeutic effect is achieved by massage in combination with physical therapy exercises.
Benefit
Underwater shower massage also affects:
- stimulates blood and lymph flow;
- accelerates metabolic processes;
- activates general immunity;
- has a tonic effect;
- increases the elasticity of blood vessels;
- makes the skin elastic.
The effect of exposure is influenced by the value and temperature of the water.
So:
- Hot water increases blood pressure, tones muscles and blood vessels;
- Cool water reduces blood pressure and activates immune processes;
- the combination of cold and hot water flows stimulates the functions of the endocrine system, improves the trophism of internal organs, relieves pain, and has a sedative effect on the central nervous system.
After a course of hydromassage, patients note improved well-being, easier perception of mental and physical stress, and a decrease in morbidity. Migraines disappear, sleep normalizes, joint pain is less pronounced. There is a cosmetic effect: the skin smooths out and becomes elastic, the “orange peel” effect disappears, and weight is reduced.
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Technique of the procedure
Only persons with medical education have the right to perform hydromassage showers; possible contraindications must be taken into account.
The procedure is usually tolerated comfortably the first time. The water temperature in the bath is about 30-36 degrees. For a more pronounced effect, you can add essential oils, herbal infusions, and sea salt to the water. For the first 5-7 minutes, the patient lies in the bath, taking a comfortable position, the body relaxes and is ready for the massage. Using a flexible shower tube, an introductory jet is supplied, the pressure is adjusted from 1 to 4 atmospheres. The specialist doing the massage manually regulates the water pressure and the angle of the jet.
Basic techniques used as a massage:
- stroking;
- kneading;
- vibration.
At the end of the massage, the patient needs to remain in the bath for a short time. Redness on the skin should not be alarming - this is a consequence of exposure to water pressure and temperature. The time of one session is no more than 45 minutes, the course consists of 10-20 procedures.
Underwater shower massage: description of the procedure, expected effect
Content
Showering is familiar to all of us; without this water procedure it is impossible to imagine a daily hygiene ritual. However, streams of water are usually used not only for cleansing the body - if you skillfully control the temperature of the water, its power and the method of delivery, you get a therapeutic procedure.
Several types of showers are used in the treatment of diseases and in cosmetology (Charcot, needle, contrast, Swiss, etc.). One of them is an underwater shower massage, which differs from other hydrotherapeutic techniques. The hydrotherapy method combines a set of procedures - a bath (fresh and with the addition of herbs, essential oils or salt), temperature contrast, shower and massage.
The effect of therapeutic massage in an underwater shower is enhanced and has an effect. The patient's body in water takes on a relaxed state and becomes susceptible to external manipulation.
The equipment of the treatment room consists of a spacious and anatomically comfortable bathtub in which a person sits, completely immersed in water (except for the head). The intensity of the massage effect depends on the nozzle, its diameter, location from the body surface, pressure and power of the jet, its temperature and angle of inclination. The specialist changes and alternates these parameters.
Hydromassage has a beneficial complex effect on the entire body: metabolism and blood flow are stimulated, immunity is increased, skin condition improves, etc.
By the way, read more on this topic: Charcot shower: indications and contraindications
