Hydrotherapy, also known as water therapy, is a complementary therapy that uses water for health purposes. It can be as simple as taking a warm bath at home or as complex as specialized exercises in a warm-water pool. Hydrotherapy can also include the use of pressurized jets, hot and cold temperatures, and ice packs. The term hydrotherapy also includes balneotherapy, aquatic therapy, and pool therapy.

Hydrotherapy can be used to treat a variety of symptoms throughout the body, including joint pain, muscle stress, and back pain. It can also be used to help ease stress and promote relaxation. Hydrotherapy is generally safe and has little to no side effects. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before adding any new treatments to a routine for managing symptoms or conditions.

Hydrotherapy is an alternative (naturopathic or nonpharmaceutical) treatment, which means it’s not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Although there are legitimate benefits that experts have studied, hydrotherapy is sometimes marketed as a cure-all in ways that aren’t accurate. Therefore, it is important to make sure that hydrotherapy is received from a reputable clinic and provider.

Based on available literature, hydrotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body. The use of water in various forms and temperatures can produce different effects on different systems of the body. Hydrotherapy can help ease pain, improve mobility, and promote relaxation.