Underwater shower massage. Indications and contraindications, what is it, how is it useful, photos before and after, reviews, prices

Underwater showermassage is an effective procedure in medicine and cosmetology, which has a large number of indications for its implementation. But there are also contraindications that you need to know about.

First and modern equipment

To carry out a therapeutic massage with an underwater shower, a large bathtub is required (the volume can reach up to 600 liters). Its size is explained by the fact that during the session the patient must be completely immersed in water, with the exception of the neck and head. The main feature of the hydromassage is that the human body is relaxed as much as possible during the massage.

Therefore, the bathtub is equipped for greater comfort:

• handrails;
• footrests;
• headrest;
• a hose from which a jet of water comes out under different pressures.

During the massage, it is necessary to constantly maintain a certain temperature regime, therefore a thermometer is built into the wall of the bath. The specialist uses different techniques during the massage. For this, there are several nozzles on the hose, differing in diameter and hole size.

Some manufacturers offer to buy bathtubs, in the walls of which there are nozzles. Water jets come out of them under pressure. The strength of their pressure is regulated by a built-in electronic unit, which allows you to select a hydromassage program for each patient individually.

Subtypes of underwater shower-massage

The procedure is divided into 2 types:

• Shared shower massage - the jet is applied to the whole body except for prohibited areas (heart, groin, mammary glands).
• Local shower massage - a specific area of ​​the body is treated that needs treatment.

The duration of a general massage session is up to 50 minutes, and a local one - no more than 25 minutes. The subtype of the procedure is chosen by the doctor, based on the patient's diagnosis. For example, a local shower massage is usually prescribed for constipation or injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In the latter case, the action of the jet is directed to the arms and legs.

There are 2 types of massage according to temperature conditions:

• Isothermal - the water temperature is approximately equal to the body temperature (promotes relaxation).
• Hypothermic - the water temperature is slightly lower than the body temperature (tones and invigorates).

Hot water is not allowed for underwater shower massage.

Benefits for the body

Underwater shower massage, the indications and contraindications of which must be taken into account, is similar to manual massage, but more effective due to the fact that the patient is as relaxed as possible in the water.

The therapeutic effect of this procedure is achieved not only by the action of the jet on the body, but also by the influence of different temperatures. For example, warm water relieves pain, cool water lowers blood pressure. The contrast of the water in the bath and from the shower accelerates blood circulation, increases the saturation of cells with oxygen.

Underwater shower massage is used in medicine and in cosmetology, as it has a beneficial effect not only on the work of internal organs, but also on the appearance.

Benefits of the procedure:

• improves blood circulation;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• accelerates metabolism;
• removes toxins from the body;
• enhances immunity;
• lowers blood cholesterol levels;
• improves the functioning of the endocrine system;
• strengthens muscles;
• relieves spasms, nervous irritability;
• tones the skin;
• reduces swelling.

Hydromassage water does not have to be fresh. Mineral baths have proven themselves very well. Also in cosmetology, to enhance the positive effect in the fight against cellulite, sea salt or essential oils are often added to the water.

Indications and contraindications

Underwater shower massage is prescribed in the following cases:

• depression;
• chronic fatigue;
• arterial hypertension stage 1;
• phlebeurysm;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• dysfunction of the central nervous system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• cerebral palsy;
• arthritis;
• osteochondrosis;
• decreased muscle tone;
• when recovery is necessary after heavy physical exertion;
• after plastic surgery;
• after removing the plaster from injured limbs;
• violation of sexual function;
• excess weight;
• decreased skin tone;
• cellulite.

This is not a complete list of diseases for which this procedure is prescribed as a treatment. Underwater shower massage, the indications and contraindications for which are numerous, can also be harmful for some concomitant diseases. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all your health problems.

Underwater massage shower is prohibited when:

• arrhythmias;
• angina pectoris;
• hypertension of 2 degrees and higher;
• epilepsy;
• stroke;
• heart attack;
• tuberculosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• urolithiasis;
• oncology;
• increased risk of blood clots;
• infectious diseases;
• skin rashes;
• increased body temperature;
• uterine myoma;
• menses;
• pregnancy.

The age of the patient does not belong to contraindications for shower massage, but it must be taken into account. If the child is under 5 years old, then the pressure of the jet should be as light as possible. Also, with extreme caution, such a procedure is prescribed for adults after 70 years.

Duration of the session and course of procedures

The maximum duration of the underwater shower-massage course is no more than 20 procedures. It is held every 6 months.

The first session should not exceed 15 minutes. Gradually, when the body gets used to the load, the procedure can be extended, but not more than up to 45 minutes. The time of the shower-massage session is determined by the therapist, based on the patient's age, diagnosis and concomitant diseases.

Preparation for the session, what to take with you

An underwater shower massage is a fairly strong load on the body, especially if it is performed for the first time. Therefore, the last meal before the procedure should be no later than 2 hours.

But even on an empty stomach, water procedures are not recommended. If you manage to have a snack almost before the session, then it should be a small portion of light food, and not a full meal.

The most important thing to take with you to hydrotherapy is a referral from a doctor, in which the diagnosis is indicated, requiring treatment, the recommended duration of the session and the maximum intensity of the jet pressure during massage.

From things you will need slippers, a bathrobe and a swimsuit or swimming trunks.

Underwater shower massage technique

When manipulating with a stream of water, the same techniques are used as when using a hand massage.

Reception name	Execution technique
Stroking	The specialist directs a stream of water at an angle of 45 ° onto the patient's body and slowly guides it along the massage lines.
Trituration	The stream of water is directed at a right angle and makes circular movements along the body.
Kneading	The masseur pulls off the patient's skin with one hand and massages the area, directing the stream either vertically or horizontally.
Vibration	The specialist's hand with the hose makes oscillatory movements, while constantly rising and falling.

Underwater shower massage, indications and contraindications to which are based not only on the characteristics of the patient's health, is carried out taking into account the permissible pressure of the jet on different parts of the body.

For example, the jet directed to the abdomen and inner surface of the thigh should not exceed 0.15 MPa. Due to the large accumulation of nerves and blood vessels, this area is highly sensitive.

During hydromassage of the posterior surface of the body and limbs, the jet pressure can reach 0.3 MPa. In therapy, this is the maximum limit.

Increasing the water pressure up to 0.4 MPa is possible when massaging athletes. Thanks to the trained muscles, they will not experience discomfort.

Step-by-step scheme of a treatment session

The patient is immersed in water for about 7 minutes, gets used to the temperature and waits for all his muscles to relax. Then the specialist proceeds to the procedure, periodically changing the nozzles during the session.

The following parts of the body are subjected to massage in turn:

• back;
• shoulders;
• the back of the legs;
• the front surface of the legs;
• stomach;
• arms.

The massage begins with stroking the whole body. Then the specialist moves on to rubbing and kneading, paying attention to the back and legs most of the time. The abdomen is massaged in a clockwise circular motion. Vibration is used on the back, arms and legs. All techniques are alternated with stroking, which ends the session.

Feelings during the session

During a shower massage, the whole body is completely relaxed. Irritability disappears, mood improves.

The first sessions may be painful. And fatigue after is comparable to the state of intense training in the gym. But soon the body will get used to it, and all unpleasant sensations will disappear. If the patient suffered from spasms before starting the procedure, then after immersion in water, they decrease, and by the end of the procedure, they disappear completely.

After the session

After the end of the session, the patient is about 10 minutes. stays in the bathroom. It is then recommended to move to the couch and rest for the same time. The body after a shower massage is too relaxed to make active movements.

Due to the fact that the blood flow is activated, reddening of the skin is observed in most cases. This phenomenon is not dangerous and does not require any medical attention.

After the procedure, you need to dry thoroughly so that you do not catch a cold when you go outside. Usually, by this time, patients feel light and energized.

Carrying out the procedure at home

An underwater shower massage is also possible at home. If the doctor sees the need for this treatment and says that there is no risk of harming the body, you can safely install the equipment.

The principle of the bath is exactly the same as in specialized institutions. It is quite expensive, so when choosing an underwater shower massage at home, you need to take this point into account.

You can carry out the procedure yourself, performing all the same actions. True, you will not be able to completely relax, as well as reaching out to hard-to-reach areas of the body. Therefore, it would be better for another person to control the hose. One of the options is to invite a professional massage therapist.

Are underwater shower massage prescribed for children?

Underwater shower massage is also prescribed for newborns.

The indications for its implementation are most often:

• neurological abnormalities;
• birth trauma;
• intestinal colic;
• increased or decreased muscle tone.

A massage session should last no more than 15 minutes.

The best time for the procedure is individual in each case. If a child immediately falls asleep after a shower-massage, then it can be carried out as an alternative to an evening bathing. For children who are invigorated by the procedure, the morning hours will be the ideal time.

It should be borne in mind that the water temperature of 36 ° in most cases will help the child to relax, and lowering it by 2 ° will stimulate muscle activity.

The benefits of a shower massage for children from 5 to 14 years old are the same as for an adult. In addition, the procedure helps unload the spine from the load and prevent it from curving. This problem, according to orthopedists, is very typical for this age.

The duration of the first procedure should be no more than 15 minutes, the subsequent ones can be increased up to 30 minutes.

Underwater shower massage, indications and contraindications in childhood for which are no less important than in adults, is carried out only after consultation with a pediatrician.

Hydrotherapy results

After undergoing hydrotherapy, which includes underwater shower massage, most patients notes the following positive changes in well-being:

• pressure is normalized;
• mental work and physical activity are more easily tolerated;
• the body is not so susceptible to infectious diseases;
• sleep becomes longer and more restful;
• heaviness in the legs disappears;
• the spine becomes more flexible;
• joint pain decreases;
• intestinal function is normalized;
• muscle spasms caused by intense training go away.

The cosmetic effect of the procedure is no less pronounced:

• the complexion improves;
• the skin becomes more elastic;
• scars on the skin turn pale;
• the manifestations of cellulite are reduced;
• weight is reduced.

Shower massage in itself is not a way to lose weight. It is effective in this case only in combination with proper nutrition and physical activity.

A jet of water, hitting the body, over time breaks down the deposits of subcutaneous fat. Since it weighs little, the extra pounds practically do not go away. But the volumes leave, visually the figure looks slimmer. The main advantage of the procedure is that when losing weight, the skin does not sag, but remains firm and taut.

The anti-cellulite effect is also not durable. After about 2 months, pits and bumps begin to appear on the skin again. To prevent this from happening, after the end of the course of hydrotherapy, it is necessary to keep the body in good shape in other ways.

Shower massage at home is not as effective. Manipulating the hose yourself, you will not be able to completely relax. For treatment, it is better to contact institutions where professional massage therapists work. Home shower massage is only suitable as a preventive measure for diseases.

Combination with other procedures

Doctors usually combine shower massage treatments with other treatments. This is done for the speedy recovery of the patient.

In no case should you draw up a course of therapy on your own or on the recommendations of people who do not consider it necessary to undergo a full examination of the body before treatment.

For example, some beauty salons offer a combination of several therapies at the same time in order to increase their profits. At the same time, forgetting to say that in combination with a massage shower, some procedures are not only useless, but can also be harmful.

Compatible with underwater massage shower:

• Electrotherapy (ionic mesotherapy, electrophoresis, galvanization). Shower massage is carried out after electro procedures, otherwise the body will undergo too much stress.
• Chromotherapy (light therapy). Baths for hydrotherapy are often equipped with chrome lamps. Color affects the emotional state of the patient. Lighting in one color can be used to create a relaxing effect, while lighting in another can stimulate activity.
• Ultrasound therapy. Having both procedures on the same day will only increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Laser therapy.
• Infrared and ultraviolet radiation. These procedures are compatible with a massage shower on one condition - they must go exclusively after hydrotherapy.

Underwater shower massage is categorically incompatible with the following procedures:

• Charcot shower, various baths. Excessive water therapy can negatively affect your well-being.
• Manual massage. Paired with a massage shower, a double effect on the same areas is obtained.
• Injections. After underwater massage, which activates blood flow and speeds up metabolism, it is extremely dangerous to inject any drugs. Injections are possible when the body returns to its normal state.

The desire to get rid of, for example, cellulite as quickly as possible, is understandable. Unfortunately, a large number of procedures will not help in this case. And the types of therapy prescribed for themselves without consulting a doctor can harm the body.

Underwater shower massage price

The cost of one procedure depends on the institution in which it will be performed. For example, a treatment room at a local clinic or in a sanatorium is much cheaper than a popular spa. In this case, the qualifications of a specialist are of the greatest importance.

Also, the price depends on the city in which the medical institution is located. So, in a megalopolis, a hydrotherapy session will cost about 1200 rubles, and in a neighboring provincial town you can use the same service for 800 rubles.

Underwater shower massage has long been used both in medicine and in cosmetology. There are many indications for its implementation. But it is also necessary to remember that this type of hydrotherapy is contraindicated for many.

Video about shower massage

How to perform an underwater massage shower: