Kinesiotherapy in thermal water

A perfect therapy for the well-being of the cervical region

The cervical part of the vertebral column is like a pillar that supports our head, just as the mythological Atlas supported the celestial world on his shoulders; for this reason it is not a coincidence that the first cervical vertebrae is called exactly that, Atlas.

The cervical region (made up of 7 vertebrae, while there are 12 thoracic and 5 lumbar vertebrae) must fulfil two almost conflictual duties: supporting the weight of the head while at the same time allowing it enough movement to be able to carry out the fundamental function of vision. Such a complex structure is inevitably struck by many different diseases, both acute and chronic.

The most common disease is cervicalgia, localised pain in the upper region of the vertebral column.

This pain can be as a result of different tissue sub layers: bones, skin, profound somatic structures (discs) or muscles. The latter is the most frequent cause of cervico-cephalgia. In fact alterations in the functioning of the neck muscles, as is possible to see in cervical tension or tension-type headaches, are very common.

Excessive and prolonged stress on this muscle, stress caused by postural changes or acute traumas such as the notorious “whiplash”, can induce pain:

a) Because of excessive strain/pressure on the muscle insertion;

b) Because of inflammation of the muscle (resulting from metabolic modifications brought about during a non-physiological prolonged contraction)

c) Ischemia, as in repetitive strain syndrome known as myositis (a prolonged static contraction of the whole musculature of the neck)

d) Arthritis-like phenomena found on the vertebrae and arterial surfaces that bring about tissue degeneration and the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs).

e) Modifications to the physiological curvature of the cervical region as a result of a “defensive” contraction carried out by the profound musculature of the backbone in response to an external hit (whiplash). In this case the musculature contracts suddenly as part of a defence mechanism; such a contraction leads to a reduction, if not an inversion, of the normal curvature of the cervical region, with the disc and ligament structure coming under an enormous amount of strain.

The solution to your troubles

Therapy in thermal water

The therapeutic guidelines recommend physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy. The latter in particular has proved to be effective in correcting an unbalanced muscular system and improving bad posture. Kinesiotherapy uses a series of coded exercises that allow, in succession, the resolution of possible muscle contractures and the strengthening of weakened muscles. A particular aspect of kinesiotherapy is that it takes place in water, in thermal (SPA) water to be more precise.

Why is kinesiotherapy better in thermal water

Hot or thermal water acts via two fundamental mechanisms:

the first is purely physical, the reduction of the load on the column. The constant weight of the head on the spine is reduced thanks to the well-known law of Archimedes (a body completely or partially immersed in a fluid receives a direct push from the bottom upwards equal to the weight of the displaced fluid).

the second mechanism is linked to physiological reactions of the organism immersed in water, and more specifically, in hot water. Firstly, in water, the proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensory systems (the receptors that register what is happening in the body and in the environment around the body) react differently compared to when the body is out of water. Most noticeable is the reduction in muscle tone; such a reduction can help resolve aches and pains provoked by spasms or muscular contractions, by allowing a reorganization of body motion and order. This is thanks to a synergetic action, in other words, changes in the habitual motor systems and in both the proprioceptive and exteroceptive responses. And it is also this reduction in muscle tone caused by the elevated temperature of the hot or thermal water, which brings about the resolution of painful contractures.

If the actions of these mechanisms are coupled with specific exercises, aided by the activity out of water but appropriately modified for the aquatic environment, the effect, with regard to the elimination of the painful condition and thus return to normality, will be cumulative. It is important however, that workers in this field are adequately prepared, not only on the specific pathology but also on the characteristics and needs of the activity taking place in water, which is similar yet also different to that which happens out of the water.