What is Hydrotherapy?

The hospital in Clifton Springs, New York, was started by Dr. Henry Foster in 1850 on the site of natural sulphur springs. The sulphur creek had been used by generations of Native Americans who taught the white settlers about the healing properties of the waters. With more mineral springs than any other state in the Union, New York is abundantly rich in providing healing waters. Hydrotherapy is the application of water in any form, either externally of internally, in the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. The Springs offers hydrotherapy treatments in the form of baths, inhalation, and constitutional hydrotherapy (the medical application of water utilizing hot and cold compresses). The high mineral content of the springs in Clifton Springs, NY makes it therapeutic for a wide range of conditions.

Respiratory System Benefits

• Relieves problems of nasal & respiratory passages, including sinusitis, infection, laryngitis, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary sclerosis
• Relaxes muscular spasm in bronchial tubes
• Hydrogen sulfide gas is strongly antibacterial

Digestive System Benefits

• Calcium sulfate is soothing & stimulates secretion of bile, aids digestion

Topical Benefits

• Useful in treatment of skin conditions including acne, infected leg ulcers, fungal infections, dermatitis, eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis, and cellulitis
• Helpful in wound healing, postoperative healing, and in treatment of burns
• Magnesium sulfate soothes & tightens the skin and allows the skin to retain moisture

Musculoskeletal Benefits

• High magnesium content relaxes muscles and reduces muscular pain
• Reduces inflammation and eases pain associated with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis
• High salt content creates bouyancy taking excess pressure off joints

Other Benefits

• Antibacterial nature of water is useful for treating genito-urinary infections
• Calcium sulfate treats kidney disorders
• Promotes detoxification and elimination of wastes via skin as well as other eliminative channels
• Stimulates immune function
• Improves metabolic function

Mental/Emotional Benefits

• Treatments are very relaxing, both physically and psychologically, reducing stress and strengthening the body's overall functioning

What to Expect if you choose a soak:

1. You will be in a private room with a large soaking tub
2. You may wish to wear a bathing suit; usually people do not unless they require assistance. Assistance, including a ceiling lift, is available if getting in and out of the tub is difficult.
3. The room has its own shower, toilet and sink. It is not recommended to shower immediately after soaking to lengthen the effects of the mineral water through contact with the skin. The water does not leave the skin with a strong odor.
4. You will enjoy the mineral bath for approximately 20 minutes. The staff will notify you of the time.
5. You may receive only a soak, or you may add a soak to other services. While we may be able to accommodate walk-ins, we recommend you schedule appointments ahead of time so that we can accommodate you in a timely manner.
6. Please arrive a few minutes early as we request you complete a health intake questionnaire before soaking

If you choose Constitutional Hydrotherapy:

1. You will be in a private room with a therapist who has reviewed your health intake questionnaire.
2. You will be asked to remove at least your shirt. You may prefer to remove your pants as they may become wet.
3. The treatment includes the application of alternating hot and cold towels to the front and back of your torso.
4. Treatment is approximately 45 minutes. You may be light-headed following treatment, or you may feel more ill if you are receiving treatment for an acute illness like a cold. This should pass in a short amount of time. If you need to rest following treatment, please notify staff so they can attend to you if needed.