Hot tubs have become very popular in North American culture over the past 50 years, however, hydrotherapy has been utilized by humans in many cultures across the globe for thousands of years. There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used water treatments to soothe a variety of medical problems and body pains. If you have ever wondered can a hot tub help back pain, it most certainly can! In fact, many doctors and physiotherapists recommend using hydrotherapy as part of patients’ rehabilitation programs. If you have back pain and own a hot tub, you can easily benefit from treatment in the comfort of your own backyard. Keep reading below to learn more about how hot tubs can help with back pain.
Back Pain Treatment
One of the most common reasons that people visit their family doctor is because of back pain. While it is always important to seek medical advice before beginning any type of injury treatment, including a hot tub, in many cases hot tubs can help heal naturally instead of pain medications. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your doctor about using a hot tub as part of a back pain relief regimen.
Heat Therapy
Ice is typically recommended as primary first aid care for pain caused by injury, with heat eventually being applied to help increase blood circulation to the injured region to expedite healing. The hot tub’s warm water temperature helps relax tense muscles and deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues, as well as help to reduce pain. The heat of a hot tub’s water can be an integral part of a back pain treatment program.
Water Buoyancy
Water buoyancy reduces weight and pressure on the body’s spine by providing an upward force and extra back support while reducing compression of the spinal column, which makes the body feel lighter. Water buoyancy is particularly helpful for painful conditions such as bulging disks or surgical recovery. It is also effective for helping to increase range of motion and mobility while improving balance. These helpful benefits help sufferers of back pain become even more flexible and mobile.
Massage
A pain relief method that has been used for centuries is massage. It can stimulate nerve endings to produce endorphins while helping to relax muscles, joints, and tendons. Massage also creates a relaxation response which can reduce breathing and heart rates, blood pressure, and stress hormone production. Massage also helps increase blood and lymph circulation that promotes the flow of oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues and cells, reducing inflammation and encouraging cellular repair.
Exercise
While it may seem difficult when in pain, it is important to try and remain active if you can. Movement and exercise can help keep the body flexible and prevent joints and muscles from seizing up. In addition to soaking in, hot tubs are also the perfect environment to exercise in. The warm water naturally warms up the muscles and reduces injury risk and the water buoyancy helps support mobility and balance. The resistance of the water can be used to workout without needed weights or fitness equipment.
Sleep
Getting proper sleep is also incredibly important for your body to heal from back pain or other injuries. If you have difficulty falling asleep, or suffer from insomnia, soaking in a hot tub in the evening can help your body unwind and prepare for sleep. It has been shown in a number of studies that the pain reduction from soaking in a hot tub will also allow one to fall asleep with reduced levels of discomfort.
To learn more about the therapeutic effects of a hot tub, download a free buyer’s guide today.