The effects manifest themselves above all in the body's heat regulation system, the immune system, and the functioning of heart and circulation. Physical therapy is frequently employed in conjunction with hydrotherapy, and in particular following hydrotherapeutic applications. The intensity of physical therapy must be modulated to the condition of the individual patient. The aim is to achieve an improvement in the functioning of the heart, circulation, respiration, bone structure, and motor apparatus. Great stress is laid on exercise being enjoyable so that physical therapy also imparts a positive psychological effect.
Phytotherapy denotes treatment with medications produced from natural plant products.
Phytotherapy according to the Kneipp method is not a substitute for prevailing pharmacological therapy employed by school medicine, but it is a useful supplement when treatment with powerful modern medications is not considered absolutely necessary. One of the aims of phytotherapy is to counteract the excessive use of medication and thus to reduce the danger of dependency.