This treatment, practiced since ancient times, uses the healing properties of water to ease pain and improve the functioning of nerves, muscles, and joints. At Synergistix, we apply hot and cold water in its various states—solid, liquid, or gas—externally, to the skin. Our therapists are expert at using ice packs, hot and cold compresses, underwater massage, various temperatures of liquid, and steam to reduce swelling, alleviate stress, and relax or gently exercise muscles. Hydrotherapy that causes fluctuations in body temperature is also said to speed waste elimination and stimulate the immune system.

Another element of your hydrotherapy may involve taking heated whirlpool baths to promote muscle relaxation and sooth nerve endings. Perhaps you will be given a series of gentle exercises to perform in our hot tub. Conclusive evidence indicates that this form of hydrotherapy is much more effective than a program of land-based exercise for those recovering from ligament surgery or other muscle trauma. (See this study at the WorkSafe BC web site.) Hydrotherapy can also include the use of cold baths, hot baths, or contrast bathing, which alternates cold and hot bathing. Those suffering from inflammatory conditions will recognize in these various forms of hydrotherapy the standard medical advice of applying heat and cold to painful areas. In fact, a study conducted in January 1999 for the Arthritis and Immune Disorder Research Centre of Toronto Hospital concluded that “our results add evidence to the growing body of knowledge which supports the benefit of hydrotherapy as a safe and effective intervention for people with arthritis.” (See this study on the Arthritis Community Research Evaluation web site.) Hydrotherapy is used to treat clients with the following conditions: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Bursitis Fibromyalgia Stress Headaches/Muscle aches Chronic back pain Ankylosing spondylitis Sports injuries Swelling Surgical & muscle trauma Burns

Synergystix Inc. 308 Charlotte St., Peterborough ON, K9J 2V7, Tel. 705-742-8244

MASSAGE - FITNESS - HYDROTHERAPY - INTERNAL CLEANSES - NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS