The basic principles of how hydrotherapy works for children with cerebral palsy

  Temperature stimulation: The water temperature used is more than or less than the body temperature, warm and cold stimulation can cause the body to produce completely different nature of the response to cold stimulation is rapid and intense; while the response to warm stimulation is slower, not strong. The greater the gap between water temperature and body temperature, the stronger the response, the wider the area of temperature stimulation is the stronger the stimulation, the duration of the effect is proportional to the degree of response within a certain time frame, such as cold stimulation in a short period of time to cause excitement, a long time after the paralysis, temperature stimulation repeated application of the response is weakened, so in the spa should gradually increase the intensity of stimulation to maintain a sufficient response.  Note: low temperature will increase muscle tone and body temperature close to is can reduce muscle tone, parents and friends of cerebral palsy patients must keep in mind that the prevention and control role is reversed.  The hydrotherapy contains a variety of mechanical stimulation: ① hydrostatic pressure stimulation: in the ordinary tub bath, the hydrostatic pressure is 40 ~ 60 g/cm. when patients take a tub bath, there is a sense of compression of the chest and abdomen, the lungs have some degree of difficulty in breathing, the patient needs to breathe hard to compensate, which regulates the metabolism of gas. Hydrostatic pressure affects blood circulation, compressing the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels on the surface of the body, which can lead to an increase in the reflux of body fluids and cause the redistribution of body fluids in the body. Regulate the body physique and promote the metabolism of the organism.  ②The impact stimulation of water flow: bubble bath, whirlpool bath, etc. all produce great physical stimulation. The clinical use of 2 to 3 atmospheres of omnidirectional water flow impact on the body, when the mechanical stimulation effect is dominant, while the water temperature may be lower, but cause significant vasodilation, and excite the nervous system, and promote neuromuscular reinnervation.  ③ buoyancy effect: based on the role of buoyancy, in the water activities are more energy-efficient. The weight lost by the human body in the water is about 9/10 of the body weight. for patients with decubitus ulcers, burns, neuritis, the use of immersion bath can eliminate the pressure of the body, while the buoyancy of the water can be used for water sports. The buoyancy of cerebral palsy patients will counteract the high muscle tone of the limbs when they move in the water, making it less difficult to complete the patient’s movements, and those with muscle spasm and atrophy can be treated with water gymnastics and massage.