Hydrotherapy Through The Ages

The term “hydrotherapy”  refers to the use of water to treat pain or afflictions.  It has been a proven and effective method of treatment for all types of ailments.  Hydrotherapy has been known to improve blood circulation, loosen muscles and joints, reduce stress, and even improve quality of sleep.   Unlike pills and potions which are peddled non-stop through the media, and have all types of adverse side effects…..the only side effect with hydrotherapy is FUN.  It’s totally natural!

Hydrotherapy has a long and vibrant history, dating back well over 2000 years. The first known documented use of hydrotherapy was by the Greek physician, Hippocrates in about the 5th Century B.C.  The ancient Roman civilization integrated hydrotherapy into their social life. They built public baths near natural springs, for health and wellness, and these became gathering spots for  local elders to discuss the events of the day while they bathed. 

The Bible also refers to the use of hydrotherapy.  John 5: 1-16 tells how people would use the healing pool of Bethesda.   When the waters stirred, the first person into the pool was healed of any disease they had.   One man, who was crippled, had tried unsuccessfully to get into the pool for 38 years!  The story tells us that he was healed by Jesus, who told him to Rise and walk.  Of course,  the sacrament of Baptism (Greek for “washing”), uses water even today as a symbol of cleansing and renewal.  

Sebastian Kniepp, a Dominican priest in Germany, is the Father of Hydrotherapy as we know it today. Father Kniepp, born in 1821, was stricken with pulmonary tuberculosis while he was studying for the priesthood.   This disease was considered fatal at that time.  He became intrigued while watching a wounded deer bathe in a stream.   He would take short full immersion dips in the icy waters of the Danube River.  This treatment enabled him to stimulate his immune system.   His tuberculosis went completely into remission, and he was able to resume his studies.   He dedicated the rest of his life to learn more about the healing powers of water, and wrote a book titled My Water Cure,  in 1886, which was translated into several languages and distributed throughout the world.

Baseball was still new in America in 1886.   The Chicago White Stockings pioneered an idea which has since become tradition.  The team traveled south in March to Hot Springs, Arkansas to prepare for the upcoming season.  The team’s president, A.G. Spalding, wanted them to rid their bodies of alcohol and get in shape.
He thought that the Southern climate would be better for this purpose. Also the players could bathe in the hot (147 degrees Fahrenheit) natural spring water,  loosening their muscles after workouts.  Hot Springs became a regular visit for spring training for several baseball teams, including the New York Yankees of the 1920s, led by slugger Babe Ruth.

In 1948, a family of Italian immigrants, the Jacuzzi brothers, invented the first hydrotherapy pump in Berkeley, California.  One of their children, Kenneth, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, and the pump was developed to treat his pain at home.  The pump would be used to agitate the water.   They learned that circulating the water was quite effective in soothing arthritis pain.  Another family member, Roy Jacuzzi,  is credited with inventing the first whirlpool tub in 1968.  His tub featured jets which were built directly into the walls of the tub. 

Hot tubs at that time were limited to the very wealthy.   How would it be possible to make hot tubs which anyone could afford?  That was a question which plagued Tom Thornbury in 1985.  He decided that hot tubs could be made which were both affordable and easy to use.  One of his innovations was to use layered foam in the construction of the tub.  The  foam was lightweight, durable and quite comfortable for the user. It was also functional as an excellent insulating material.   Another innovation was being able to use a heat exchange system to heat the water using only excess heat from the pump.  This saved considerably on power usage and also prolonged the life of the motor.  Since the motor could be plugged into any outlet,  the tub could be used anywhere.  Tom Thornbury’s company, Softub, incorporated in 1986, and has customers worldwide.  In 2011, the company celebrated its Silver Anniversary.

The history of hydrotherapy is still being written.  It has been proven to treat a variety of ailments for thousands of years.  Hydrotherapy reduces stress, improves blood circulation, loosens stiff joints and muscle pain,  improves sleep, and helps you to enjoy life.    Hydrotherapy helps you feel better naturally.  What ailments do you suffer from?  How will you continue the story of hydrotherapy in your life?