List and describe the four main variables in hydrotherapy

What will be an ideal response?

The first variable is temperature. The greater the difference between the body's temperature and the temperature used in the treatment, the greater the intensity of the treatment. And the greater the intensity, the greater the need to closely monitor the temperature of the treatment because both heat and cold can damage tissue and cause the client pain. The second variable is duration. At extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), the shorter the duration, the more intense, and effective, the treatment. At moderate temperatures, intensity and effectiveness increase the longer the treatment is applied. Frequency of treatment, as in successive applications, also increases the intensity. The third variable is condition of the client. The client's health and vitality are major considerations in determining both the type of hydrotherapy to be used and the results of the treatment. Clients who are less vital need treatments without great temperature extremes. On the other hand, clients who are very healthy may have positive body responses to the stresses placed on them by treatments with wide temperature extremes. For example, an elderly client in frail health would need a shorter application of a warm compress in the tepid (80-92°F) range, whereas a triathlete may respond better to a longer application of a hot compress, one in the 92-100°F range. The fourth variable is location. Hydrotherapy treatments need to be applied where they will have the most beneficial effect for the client. Sometimes the effect is just where the treatment is placed on the body; sometimes the treatment is placed in one location so it will have an effect in another location on the client's body; sometimes an overall body treatment is indicated.