Hydrotherapy involves the use of water for soothing an aching body or speeding up the recovery of other muscular ailments. It combines water with air and heat to promote well being.
The use of water for therapy has been around for hundreds of years, as far back as the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and forms an integral part in many traditional medicine systems.
HOW IT WORKS
The healing properties of hydrotherapy are based on its thermal effects. It makes use of the body’s reaction to hot and cold stimuli, the protracted application of heat, the pressure exerted by the water, and the sensation of the water itself. Nerves carry what is felt by the skin deeper into the body, where it is then vital in stimulating the immune system, influencing the production of stress hormones, improving circulation and digestion, encouraging the flow of blood, and lessening the body’s sensitivity to pain.
Water makes us buoyant, reducing our body weight by 90%. This, together with warmth, greatly eases stress on the body’s muscles and joints. That’s why hydrotherapy is often used in physiotherapy treatments to strengthen core muscles and improve stability.
Motion-based hydrotherapy such as hot tubs or whirlpool baths use heated water under pressure to physically deliver a massage effect to the body. The specific jet streams target body areas with water and air in a manner that kneads and presses the body rather like hands during a personal massage. When we are in pain or under stress, our blood pressure can increase. A hydrotherapy massage will regulate blood flow and reduce muscle tightness produced by stress and anxiety.
HYDROTHERAPY HEALING
Hydrotherapy is the use of water to relieve physical discomfort, whose therapeutic functions vary with temperature. If you are considering using hydrotherapy massage to support a healthy lifestyle, it may interest you to know that there are a wide range of aliments that may be improved with regular hydrotherapy.
Here are five aliments that can improve over time with regular hot tub use:
1. BETTER SLEEP
Hot tub hydrotherapeutic sessions can promote better sleep. In fact, studies have shown that people struggling with sleep fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer after hot tub immersion. The rapid eye movement (REM) cycle is also observed to be more refreshing after the rejuvenating effects of a hot tub hydrotherapy session.
The National Sleep Foundation in the USA, which focuses on sleep-related education and research, included this in a Facebook post on Healthy Sleep Tips: “Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as a warm soak in a whirlpool bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.”
The popular show ‘The Doctors’ featured Jason, one of four participants, who had trouble sleeping at night because of racing thoughts and a restless mind. On this episode, Doctor Travis Stork explains how Jacuzzi hot tub hydrotherapy can help calm his mind before bed. Watch the clip from the episode by clicking on the image below:
2. ARTHRITIS
Hot water has long been prescribed for its ability to relieve bodily discomfort, such as muscle soreness, arthritis, and back pain, and is often recommended to expedite recovery from injuries. Researchers also concluded that hydrotherapy facilitates the removal of lactic acid, opens blood vessels for better circulation, aids the flow of endorphins, and relaxes the muscles surrounding arthritic joints.
Arthritis patients praise hot water therapy as a highly effective way to relieve joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation from this chronic condition, and prefer the best hot tub models that allow for a customized massage from adjustable jets, as well as control of the water temperature. While effectively relieving pressure on surrounding nerves, joints, and blood vessels, those who suffer from arthritis also appreciate the buoyancy and increased mobility provided by each hydrotherapy session.
Meet Louise, who discusses her painful arthritis symptoms. Doctor Andrew Ordon discusses why sitting in that hot tub healing machine is one of the best things you can do for your arthritis. Watch the clip from the episode by clicking on Louise’s image below:
3. RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME
Living with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) may not be ideal, those creepy, crawling, jerky, jumpy legs and arms don’t have to leave you feeling utterly hopeless. There are many things you can easily adopt into your life to help ease your symptoms.
Regular hydrotherapy use will help you relax those muscles and stimulate circulation. You should soak in hot water for three minutes and then soak in cold water for 30 seconds, for a total of three times each.
Like Dion, you could be suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome and struggling to sleep. Click the image below to watch the clip from The Doctors Show and learn what Doctor James Sears recommends for restless legs.
4. CRAMPS
Menstrual cramps are a natural part of almost every woman’s life. Hydrotherapy is one of the many successful methods that can be used for treating menstrual cramps to obtain great relief. Warm-water therapy feels incredibly soothing on tender or tense muscles. Hydrotherapy revs up circulation to soothe muscles and relieve pain symptoms faster.
Meet the next guest on The Doctors Show, who suffers from menstrual cramps. Click on the image below to watch the clip and learn what Doctor Lisa Masterson recommends.
As you may have noticed, the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy are interconnected. Whether a hot tub provides a relaxing environment where you can just clear your mind or you need the pain relieving properties of hydrotherapy to soothe overworked muscles or speed recovery from injuries, hot tubs can provide effective, speedy healing and rejuvenation of your mind and body.
Please note:
- Adults are recommended to use a hot tub for no longer than 20 minutes at 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Never use a hot tub alone
- Do not to consume alcohol while in a hot tub.
- Hydrotherapy is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Cold baths should not be used by children or the elderly.
- Sauna baths should not be used by people with heart conditions. If in doubt consult your doctor.