Spending time in a hot tub can be many things to many people. Some people use it as a way to catch up and socialize with friends and family. Others might use it to get some peace and quiet. But is sitting in a hot tub healthy? Well, just ask the thousands of athletes who use a hot tub how it can relieve sore muscles and help recover from injury. Or speak to people who suffer from chronic and debilitating diseases and conditions who find respite through their use of hot tub hydrotherapy. To learn more about the health benefits of hot tub use, check out our list of ways that a hot tub can keep you healthy and happy.
Reduce Stress Levels
A warm, moist environment, massaging jets and the soothing sounds of gurgling water are the perfect antidotes to a stressful and anxiety-ridden day. And while infrequent bouts of stress are part of a normal life, too much stress has become a widespread issue in our modern age. It can lead to a wide variety of health problems ranging from slightly irritating to life-threatening. Spending time in a hot tub can allow users to decompress and leave their worries behind. Many of today’s hot tubs also include aromatherapy options which can help further relieve anxiety.
Improve Mobility
For those who suffer from a reduced range of motion and other mobility issues, a hot tub can help by loosening up tight muscles, tendons, and joints. The effects of water buoyancy on the body can relieve the pressure that causes inflammation and pain. By combining the effects of warm massage with a stretching program, consistent use of a hot tub can improve flexibility and extensive range of motion. If you have problems with mobility, consider speaking to your doctor about the possibility of a hydrotherapy regime.
Increase Blood Flow
For those who suffer from circulation issues that might result in symptoms such as numbness and coldness of the extremities, joint pain and swelling, regular use of a hot tub might be able to temporarily alleviate these issues. Spending time in the warm, massaging water can increase your blood flow, dilate the vessels and allow blood to reach the extremities much easier. This can also lead to a reduction in blood pressure and increased cellular metabolism. Speak to a doctor to see if hydrotherapy might be right for you.
Relieve Pain
Using a hot tub can provide pain relief in many different ways and for many different conditions. The warm water increases circulation which allows for quicker tissue repair. It also causes a flood of endorphins which will naturally relieve pain. There are many specialized water jets available that have been created to provide deep tissue massage for specific parts of the body such as the back, feet, neck, legs and arms. If you’re in pain because of injury, overwork or a chronic disease, a hot tub may be able to help you out.
Improve Sleeping Patterns
Hot tubs have been used to great result by large numbers of insomniacs and those who suffer from sleep issues. It’s been found that using a hot tub before bedtime can make it easier to fall asleep while allowing for a deeper and longer uninterrupted sleep. The decrease in body temperature after leaving the hot tub signals to the brain that it’s time to go to sleep. Couple that with the relaxation and stress relief that soaking in a hot tub can provide and you’ll be primed for a good night’s rest.
If you want to learn more about the health benefits of sitting in a hot tub, download a free buyer’s guide today.