Hydrotherapy combined with Snoezelen multi-sensory therapy

The aim of this article is to present a new and challenging model of treatment that combines two therapeutic interventions: hydrotherapy and Snoezelen or controlled multisensory stimulation. The combination of the two therapeutic approaches enhances the treatment effect by utilizing the unique characteristics of each approach. We believe that this combined model will further enhance each media to the benefit of the clients and create a new intervention approach. This article relates to a hydrotherapy swimming pool facility that has been established at the Williams Island Therapeutic Swimming and Recreation Center, Beit Issie Shapiro, Raanana in Israel, after acquiring many years of experience and gaining substantial knowledge both in the field of hydrotherapy and Snoezelen intervention. Beit Issie Shapiro is a non-profit community organization providing a range of services for children with developmental disabilities and their families. The organization provides direct services for nearly 6,000 children and adults each year. This article provides an overview of hydrotherapy and Snoezelen and presents a case study, which will demonstrate the new model of treatment and show how this new and innovative form of therapy can be used as a successful intervention. We believe it will open a path to enriching the repertoire of therapists helping people with special needs. This article is also addressed to researchers to provide ideas for further studies in this area.

Hydrotherapy pools of the future--the avoidance of health problems

The need to minimize the threat of infection to patients and the high incidence of health problems in hydrotherapy pool workers, have led to recommendations especially tailored to the design and operation of the water and air treatment plant of hydrotherapy pools. Hitherto unpublished surveys are detailed which confirm that pathogenic species of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in pools (in which ears may be wetted) cause a high incidence of otitis externa, but rarely cause body rashes (pseudomonas folliculitis) unless there has also been prolonged skin wetting. In brominated pools contact dermatitis is common and can be distinguished clinically from pseudomonas folliculitis by the onset of a pruritic rash less than 12 hours after exposure to the pool and reactivation of the rash on re-exposure to the brominated pool.