We're sure you must have used a hot water bag or a cold ice pack to help heal your sore muscles post a rigorous session of gymming or sports. While we all are well aware of these home remedies, there is another therapy, called hydromassage therapy, that can help ease the tension in your muscles efficiently. Hydromassage therapy is a combination of two processes that help to reduce muscle soreness and improve blood circulation. This method dates back to the Greek and Roman civilizations. The soldiers in those times used to exercise in hot water baths as it helped them to prepare better and recover faster.

How Is Hydromassage Done?

There are two ways in which hydromassage can be done:

• Wet Hydromassage: Machines with a specific seating space are used to massage the sore areas of the body of a person. With the help of a device, water is released in pressure on the areas of pain and soreness.
• Dry Hydromassage: In this method, the person is asked to lie on a mattress. A targeted pressurizing of water is used on the sore areas of their body.

Does Hydromassage Burn Calories?

Hydromassage helps burn calories in the body in the following ways:

• When the temperature of the atmosphere varies from our internal body temperature, the body spends calories to maintain the internal temperature.
• When a person goes into the water to exercise, they would experience friction. Their body requires extra energy to overcome that, resulting in the burning of calories.
• Several studies have proven that the body burns more calories during hydromassage therapy than during outdoor workouts. The body of a person burns more calories in cold temperatures, which helps reduce extra fat.

Hydromassage Benefits

Hydromassage is no doubt relaxing. Moreover, it also has many benefits:

• It relieves recurring pain in the shoulders, lower back, and knees.
• It soothes the muscles after an intense workout.
• It promotes blood circulation in the body.
• It reduces and fights against inflammation during the recovery process.
• It calms the mind and boosts productivity by inducing the release of antidepressant hormones such as dopamine and serotonin.
• It is efficient in reducing the pain of arthritis.

Hydromassage Side Effects

This massage is safe for most people. However, there are chances that it may cause side effects, too:

• If a person has an external wound or injury, the temperature and pressure may increase the injury.
• If a person already has a high temperature, viral disease, or upset stomach, the bath is unsuitable for them.
• The therapy is also unsuitable for people with allergies as the bath may trigger the cause.
• If the temperature is not correct, the therapy can also cause a burning sensation.
• People with asthma and respiratory diseases should also avoid hydrotherapy.
• Some people have a fear of depth, so the bath is also not suitable for them.

Where to find such services?

Nowadays, many physiotherapists suggest hydrotherapy as a recovery session for their patients. Hydrotherapy is also available in spas or some premium gyms.

Hydromassage is good for your body as it soothes the muscles and helps your body to recover faster while burning calories. As this procedure bears both positive and negative health effects, one should always take professional advice before trying out any such therapy.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.