Underwater massage

Underwater massage is applied to a patient, which lies in a 37°C (36°- 38°) bath in a multifunctional tub, or in a Hubbard's tank.
The massage itself is performed using the energy of the water stream, which outflows with the pressure 0.2 – 0.4 MPa (i.e. 2 - 4 atm). The water stream is applied on the body manually by a physiotherapist, from the distance 10 - 15 cm and under the angle 30° - 60°. By varying the distance and the application angle it is possible to change the intensity of massage.
The application on extremities should be done from the periphery towards the body centre; the reverse direction should by-pass the body. On the belly the direction should follow the course of the large intestine, on the chest and back the applied pattern should have the shape of repeated horizontal eight.
The pressurised water shall not be applied on genitals, female breasts, and the area of the heart.
The massage acts mainly to release the stiffness of muscles and connective tissues, to mitigate the pain and to partially release the joints.
The procedure is not appropriate for bleeding conditions, skin and subcutaneous tumours, pregnancy, renal diseases, varicose veins, vein post-inflammation conditions, herniae in the region of belly, post-operational scars, conditions following the heart failure. Underwater massage could by provided in a hydro massage tub, where it is applied using larger number of jets of different size and diameter, which operate either stationary or they are controlled with special software. Manual underwater massage has to be prescribed by a doctor; hydro massage tub (whirlpool) is freely saleable.
The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes.