Weight bath - (04)
Mechanism of Action:
The procedure is based on underwater traction using a weight bath. The method was developed by Hungarian physician Károly Moll. During the treatment in pleasantly warm therapeutic water, the traction force acting on the spine relaxes the muscles and the ligament system alongside the spinal column, making it suitable for treating spinal joint degeneration, minor disc herniations, disc protrusions, as well as stretching hip or knee joints accompanied by restricted movement. Biomechanical studies have calculated the traction force acting on different sections of the spine and the major joints of the lower limbs, which aids in healing.
Treatment Process:
The weight bath treatment is performed in thermal water at an indifferent temperature in a specially designed pool. During suspension, the patient's feet do not touch the ground, allowing them to hang without support.
Duration:
The treatment lasts for a gradually increasing duration, up to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Suspension can be applied at the neck or under the armpits. In the case of armpit support, the weight can be gradually increased using weights attached to belts placed above the waist or ankles (1.5-9 kg per limb). The weight should always be suspended below the area to be stretched. For neck traction, the patient's own weight reduced by buoyancy is usually sufficient, but weights can also be applied under controlled conditions to enhance the effect.
Indications:
Various stages of disc diseases, early stages of SPA (Bechterew's disease), contractures of the lower limbs.
Contraindications:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Within 6 months after a heart attack, heart failure, or high blood pressure unresponsive to drug therapy.
- Phlebitis
- Hyperthyroidism
- Epilepsy, Multiple sclerosis
- Inflammatory phase of musculoskeletal diseases
- Incontinence (partial or complete impairment of bowel or bladder control)
- Bleeding disorders, anticoagulant use, menstruation
- For 5 years after cancer, and thereafter based on individual assessment
- Infectious diseases
- Open wounds, injuries, infectious skin diseases
- Feverish conditions
- Pregnancy
- Spondylolisthesis
- Post-surgical condition after disc herniation
- Severe osteoporosis
- Tumor in the vertebral body
- Vertebral body inflammation
- Glaucoma.