What does it take to become a hydro-therapist and how does a career inhydrotherapy looks like?

In a clinical setting, hydrotherapy may consist of water taken internally, via drinking, douches or enemas; or it can involve the external...

In a clinical setting, hydrotherapy may consist of water taken internally, via drinking, douches or enemas; or it can involve the external administration of water to an affected area of the body, through ice packs, compresses, wraps, streams of water, or even inhaled water vapor. Immersion—bathing or swimming—is also a popular form of hydrotherapy. Many spa workers specialize in aromatherapy or herbal medicine administered within a hot or cold bath.

Hydrotherapy Training and Education

Hydrotherapy school curriculum addresses topics such as the following:

History and principles of hydrotherapy
Techniques such as dry brushing and wraps
Equipment used in hydrotherapy
Use of water in various forms and temperatures
Physiological effects and medical contraindications

Average Length of Study

Individual workshop courses in basic hydrotherapy may take as few as 15 hours. Some approaches may require longer study—basic colonic hydrotherapy training takes 100 hours or more.

Average Tuition

A single course in hydrotherapy or aquatic physical therapy may cost as little as $200 - $600. Colonic hydrotherapy school generally runs between $2,000 and $3,000. A full massage therapy or spa therapy program that includes hydrotherapy training may cost $5,000 or more.

Hydrotherapy Certification

For the most part, practitioners of hydrotherapy are licensed or certified under the umbrella of a vocation such as naturopathy, massage therapy or physical therapy. In these cases, a hydrotherapist would need to follow state law with respect to licensing in their field. Some forms of hydrotherapy training, such as colonic therapy and aquatic therapy, may lead to a specialty certification. The Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI), for instance, grants Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise Certification to professionals who complete 15 hours of education in the area and pass an exam.

Hydrotherapy Career Outlook

One major reason Americans go to spas is for relaxation and stress relief, and hydrotherapy treatments such as saunas, whirlpools and mineral baths provide such relief. A recent study reported that 55 percent of American spas offer hydrotherapy options, and that translates into career opportunities for spa workers with hydrotherapy training. Fitness and health clinics also offer employment options for physical therapists who practice aquatic therapy.

Hydrotherapy Salary

Massage therapists made an average of $39,780 in May 2009, but specialized knowledge such as hydrotherapy training can make you more marketable and add to your salary—a practitioner might earn as much as $75 to $120 per hour for a single colonic therapy session. Physical therapists earn an average of $76,220, annually.

Is a Hydrotherapy Career Right for You?

Imagine how rewarding it is to be able to administer a hydrotherapy treatment such as a hot mineral bath and be able to immediately see your client's muscles relax, or watch an injured athlete steadily recover from an injury thanks to aquatic exercise. Whether your focus is spa work, health care, physical therapy or naturopathy, hydrotherapy training can be a valuable modality to add to your professional repertoire.

Here are some Hydrotherapy Pictures (click to view)