While hot tubs are great places to relax, they can also provide exceptional therapeutic benefits from pain relief to a treatment for chronic conditions and stress.
Below you’ll find out how to make the most of your hot tub’s therapeutic features.
The Evolution of Hydrotherapy
From the original Egyptian baths to European spas of the 18th and 19th centuries, hydrotherapy (“water therapy”) has been known for its healing properties. In fact, spas staffed by medical professionals were built high in the mountains of Europe and patients visited these breathtaking locations to receive treatment for their ailments.
Although hydrotherapy came to exist years ago, it is still commonly recommended by doctors, personal trainers, and physical therapists to treat pain, stress, and chronic health issues.
Why Hot Tubs Are Effective
Whether you want to relieve pain or find a way to reduce your stress level, hot water has been proven to help. When paired with jet pressure, its therapeutic capabilities become even more effective.
By activating your body’s response to hot and cold temperatures, hot tubs reduce pain, improve your blood flow, increase your circulation, and encourage your body to release hormones that can fight stress. An added benefit is that hydrotherapy is known to increase immunity.
Hydrotherapy Benefits
The number of conditions hydrotherapy can be used for is extensive. In addition to stress and pain reduction, hot tubs can improve muscle weakness and balance. They are also especially helpful for treating diabetes and other diseases that diminish circulation.
Hot tubs can be especially beneficial to women as they are outstanding for relieving premenstrual syndrome pain and menstrual pain. If you have arthritis or injuries to soft tissues or the musculoskeletal system, they can also provide pain relief. Anxiety, insomnia, and nervous system disorders can also be treated by soaking in your hot tub. As the hot water and jet pressure touch your skin, they stimulate your touch receptors, diminishing muscle tension and anxiety while increasing your circulation.
The Best Hydrotherapy Features
There are several features you can be on the lookout for to ensure that you get a hot tub that provides you with the hydrotherapy features you need.
First, look for programs that are designed to treat specific issues such as back pain or insomnia. These hot tubs will give you targeted therapy in the exact area where you need it.
Hot tubs with zoned jet systems are also very good choices. In these hot tubs, users choose a program that addresses a specific issue. Then, as they move from seat to seat, they receive a massage that targets a different layer of muscle in each seat. By working through a range of muscle layers, the jets relieve tension to treat your specific issue.
Once you’ve discovered hot tubs that have these key features, visit your dealer for a wet test so you can experience their therapeutic effects in action.
Now that you’ve found out about ways to use your hot tub to treat several health conditions, download our buyer’s guide to find the right model for your needs.