Hydrotherapy and Physical Medicine in Naturopathic Care: Constitutional Hydrotherapy and More

What "physical medicine" and hydrotherapy mean here

A review of naturopathy in primary care lists hydrotherapy and physical medicine among naturopathic treatment modalities, alongside diet, behavior change, homeopathy and botanical medicine. [1] NCCIH's list of naturopathic approaches includes manipulative therapies and exercise therapy. [2] Hydrotherapy means using water in various forms and temperatures, and is described as a basic method in the system of natural medicine. [3]

The roots are historical. Naturopathy was formalized in the 19th century by the hydrotherapy and nature cure movement in Austria and Germany, according to one review. [4] For that story, see Nature Cure, Kneipp and the European roots of naturopathy and the history of naturopathy. Water treatments in general are covered in the Hydrotherapy section and what is hydrotherapy; this page covers how they appear in naturopathic care.

What reviews found for Kneipp-style hydrotherapy

Kneipp hydrotherapy is characterized by cold water applications. [5] Reviews of it are the closest research we found to naturopathic hydrotherapy.

Water treatments are hard to blind, so expectation can shape results. See hydrotherapy evidence by goal and Kneipp-style water treatments.

Physical medicine in naturopathic care

Rules for who may offer manipulation, exercise therapy or massage differ by state and profession.

• Spinal manipulation. NCCIH says it is one of several nondrug approaches that may be used for acute and chronic low-back pain and may lead to small improvements in pain and function. [7] Most side effects are mild and go away within 24 hours. [7] Serious problems such as strokes involving arteries in the neck have been reported; NCCIH says they are very rare, with no accurate estimates of how often they occur. [7] NCCIH says most spinal manipulation is done by chiropractors, and osteopathic physicians and physical therapists also use it. [7]
• Massage and bodywork. Covered by the massage and bodywork section, what is massage therapy and massage safety.
• Exercise therapy. NCCIH lists it as a naturopathic approach. [2] Evidence depends on the condition; see naturopathic care for back and musculoskeletal pain.

Credentials

Licensed naturopathic physicians complete graduate-level study at a school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education; traditional naturopaths may train in non-accredited programs and are not eligible for licensing, according to NCCIH. [2] Scope of practice varies by state licensure. [2] Licenses and certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment. [2] Manipulation and massage have their own licensing rules; see credentials, licensing and scope of practice.

Questions to ask

• What is this treatment for, and what evidence supports it?
• Who performs it, and what is that person licensed or certified to do?
• What conditions or medicines mean I should not have it?
• What does a session cost, and are products sold afterward?