THE ROLE OF HYDROTHERAPY IN MOBILITY AND MUSCLE STRENGTH OF PATIENTS WITH OSTEOARTICULAR DYSFUNCTIONS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic resource used in physiotherapy that utilizes the physical properties of water to promote functional rehabilitation, especially in patients with osteomyotendinous dysfunctions. These dysfunctions, which affect muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, can result in limited mobility, reduced muscle strength, and a negative impact on quality of life. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of aquatic rehabilitation in improving mobility and muscle strength in individuals with osteomyotendinous dysfunctions. Method: This is a literature review conducted between August and September 2025. Scientific articles indexed in the SciELO, Virtual Health Library (BVS), and PubMed databases were selected. The search used Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): range of motion, musculoskeletal diseases, muscle strength, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation. Intervention studies, case studies, multicenter cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2025 in Portuguese or English, available in full and for free access, were included. Abstracts, theses, dissertations, and monographs were excluded. After applying the selection criteria, eight studies met the requirements, addressing aquatic physiotherapy interventions applied to osteomyotendinous conditions. Results: The analyzed studies demonstrate that hydrotherapy stands out as a relevant therapeutic strategy for musculoskeletal rehabilitation. The aquatic environment provides favorable conditions for muscle strength gain, increased range of motion, and pain reduction, as well as promoting other clinical improvements associated with functionality. The evidence suggests that immersion promotes physiological and biomechanical adaptations that facilitate the recovery of mobility and enhance patients' physical performance. Conclusion: The review confirms hydrotherapy as an effective and safe resource in the treatment of osteomyotendinous dysfunctions, offering consistent benefits in joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall functionality. Furthermore, the aquatic environment allows for exercise execution with less joint overload compared to land-based practices, contributing to progressive and less painful rehabilitation.