So, I flew down to Mexico for a
vacation. By myself. Some people might claim that’s a little weird, but Mexico
is my spot — it’s the ultimate relaxation paradise.
Part of my package included a
free hydrotherapy session. I’ve never been to one, nor did I know what to
expect, except that I was going to be in some type of water. So, I decided to
try it out.
I was taken into a tranquil
pool area that was anything but a normal ruckus-filled resort pool scene. There
was no talking allowed. The only sounds that could be heard were from the
animals that freely roam the resort’s jungle and from the man-made waterfall
crashing into the center of the hydrotherapy pool circuit.
Hydrotherapy can be used to
help blood flow and “treat many illnesses and conditions, including acne;
arthritis; colds; depression; headaches; stomach problems; joint, muscle, and
nerve problems; sleep disorders; and stress. People also use it for relaxation
and to maintain health,” according to WebMD.
Each area of the circuit was
numbered, and after I was given instructions, I entered pool No. 1. It was
intentionally freezing. From there, I was taken to another station that
considered of a 50-foot walk over a deep bed of stones and pebbles. It was
difficult to maintain my balance at times and was downright uncomfortable, but
I’m always up for something new. My feet were in shock — they were cramping,
BIG-TIME.
Traveling through the circuit,
the pool gradually increased in temperature and included a variety of jetted
stations meant to provide massage therapy to different areas of the body. In
fact, station No. 7 was so forceful that it was intended to be an
against-current swimming scenario. But I mistakenly used it as a back massager
and was stumped they hadn’t installed any type of handles to hold on to, as I
was uncontrollably pushed feet away from where I wanted to be.
The second-to-last station was
the most interesting — the strongest stream of water I’ve ever felt, flowing
from a gooseneck pipe, meant to provide therapy to all areas of the back. I
honestly didn’t know whether it rearranging my neck, dislocating my spine or
snapping my ribs. And when it was over, I still didn’t know how I felt. My body
was in complete confusion.
The hydrotherapy session ended
with a trip to the sauna, vapor steam room and rustic shower, concluding at a
bar filled with a wide variety of teas and cold herbal drinks — most of which I
didn’t have much interest in. But I left the hydrotherapy treatment feeling
physically transformed.
I woke up the following morning
feeling sore as hell but relaxed as ever, and it occurred to me that the powers
of hydrotherapy could be a welcoming alternative to hands-on massage therapy.
For more information, visit www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/hydrotherapy.
Brian
T. Dessart, a former Herald sports preview editor and director of marketing,
now writes for Sports Illustrated, covering performance, fitness and action
sports.