Hydrotherapy can refer to any treatment that uses water. Several types of hydrotherapy are used in pain management. 

Hydrotherapy performed in pools or tanks allows patients to exercise with less stress on their joints. In other situations, warm or pulsating water may relieve pain by massaging the body, relaxing tight muscles and increasing circulation. This can help relieve conditions including back pain, other joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia or spasticity following spinal cord injuries. Hydrotherapy is also used for wound care.

Hydrotherapy can be performed with swimming pools, whirlpools, showers, saunas, compresses, foot baths, body wraps, immersion tanks and other techniques. It often employs heat (thermotherapy), cold (cryotherapy) or both.

Though hydrotherapy is beneficial for treating many disorders, there are conditions and situations where it is not recommended. Patients should consult their physician before beginning hydrotherapy.