Hydrotherapy Improve Walking For Primary Varicose Veins

Many naturopaths have traditionally recommended hydrotherapy to aid venous circulation and alleviate symptoms for patients suffering with varicose veins. A research study conducted at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna has found that the traditional wisdom of naturopaths is correct in that hydrotherapy can play an important role in the treatment of primary varicose veins.

In the study, sixty-one patients suffering from primary varicosity were divided into 2 groups, one receiving regular hydrotherapy, the other no such treatment for 3 1/2 weeks.

Objective evaluation of the competence of the venous valves showed an apparent benefit in the control group in respect to light reflex rheographic venous filling time. The leg volume changes, however, indicated a stronger and more persistent reduction in the treatment group. The same improvements were found for ankle and calf circumferences, which were reduced significantly only in patients treated with hydrotherapy. Furthermore some (although not all) of the subjective symptoms were found to be more improved in the treatment group.

In conclusion, the researchers stated that their findings suggest that primary varicose veins can be helped significantly by hydrotherapy and should be considered as an adjunct to other forms of treatment.

Ernst F; Saradeth T; Resch KL. A single blind randomised, controlled trial of hydrotherapy for varicose veins. Vasa (SWITZERLAND) 1991, 20 (2) p147-52