Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation WCB Evidence Based Practice Group. Hydrotherapy: review on the effectiveness of its application in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Richmond, BC: WorkSafe BC 2004: 21 Authors' objectives <p>The purpose of this review is to investigate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy in musculoskeletal rehabilitation as applied by physiotherapists and occupational therapists.</p>
Authors' conclusions 1. The application of water to treat disease has been used throughout history. It is known that Hippocrates (460-375 BC) used hot and cold water in the treatment of multiple disease states. At present, hydrotherapy is applied to treat a myriad of diseases, including musculoskeletal problems. The majority of the evidence on the effectiveness of hydrotherapy to treat the described disease states and 'conditions' comes from small case series/reports and subsequent low level evidence (Level 4).
2. The higher level evidence that was reviewed does not suggest hydrotherapy is effective in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia or pressure ulcers. There were two papers that did suggest that post anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery patients may have better outcomes than those undertaking land based exercises alone.
3. The application of hydrotherapy is not always without risk. There are reports in the literature regarding legionella infections, burn, folliculitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis which were directly related to the hydrotherapy.
Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Hydrotherapy; Musculoskeletal Diseases /therapy Language Published English Country of organisation Canada Province or state British Columbia English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence 6591 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC, V7C 1C6 Canada. Tel: 604-231-8417; Fax: 604-279-7698 Email: kukuh.noertjojo@worksafebc.com. AccessionNumber 32006000273 Date bibliographic record published 06/04/2006 Date abstract record published 06/04/2006 |