Hydrotherapy: An integral part of physical medicine.
This video clip (circa 1952) available from the Wellcome library shows the benefits of therapeutic touch conveyed through a range of treatments used in rehabilitation, including exercise, massage and hydrotherapy. The physicality of the patient-therapist interactions highlighted in this clip sit in sharp contrast to the virtual healthcare delivery models currently being pursued in many healthcare systems. Historically, physiotherapists have been strongly associated with person-to-person touch. It will be interesting to see how the profession responds to the changing nature of interpersonal connection in the years to come.
Summary
This film reviews various methods in physical medicine, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and hydrotherapy – stressing the importance of these methods in rehabilitation. The film identified modern life to be one of the key stressors and strains. The chronically infirm and ill are also subject to strains and stresses. Proper diagnosis is required to seek an appropriate cure. Patients are advised to rest and recuperate. A young woman sits reading a book, ‘The Water Babies’. On occasions, limbs are rested by immobilisation. Various traction equipment is utilitsed. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis exercises in bed. There is also a remedial gymnasium. There are other therapies which use heat or radiotherapy. Occupational therapy can also be helpful (sewing, basketwork and weaving are on offer). Children are offered physiotherapy through play. The majority of the film promotes the benefits of hydrotherapy (vapour baths, hot packs, sprays and aeration) showing the varied facilities in the institution.
