How Is Hydrotherapy Effective?
While it is fairly likely that you may have only heard of the term ‘hydrotherapy’ in recent years, this therapy has been used in a number of cultures across the globe since 5th century B.C. In fact, there have been notes found referencing hydrotherapy from famous physician Hippocrates.
Hydrotherapy refers to any treatment that uses water to stimulate a health benefit. Today, it is most commonly associated with day spas and hot tubs. Modern usage has combined water temperature and water jets that apply a pressurized force to targeted areas of the body to massage and heal. Quality hot tubs on today’s market have innovative pumps, jets, and customized massage programs to deliver effective hydrotherapy treatment.
How is hydrotherapy effective? It helps heal your body in a number of ways. Keep reading below to learn more about the advantages.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is beneficial in a number of ways. The warm water in a hot tub allows your muscles to relax as well as eases the pain from your joints, aiding in relaxation. Water also supports your body weight (called buoyancy) which relieves pain and increases your range of motion. Hydrotherapy is proven to be effective in helping with a number of conditions and illnesses, including:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Headaches
- Stomach Issues
- Colds
- Sleep Disorders
- Insomnia
- Arthritis
- Sports Injuries
- Muscle & Nerve Problems
Detoxification
While hydrotherapy is excellent for relaxation and pain relief it is also wonderful for assisting our body’s detox process. Hydrotherapy dramatically increases our elimination of waste by loosening tight and tender muscles. This encourages not only relaxation but also a boost in our metabolic rate and digestion. Hydrotherapy also hydrates our cells, aids our immune system, and improves skin and muscle tone.
When Not to Use Hydrotherapy
Numerous studies have shown that hydrotherapy can be a wonderfully effective benefit for a number of people suffering from various conditions. There are, however, some circumstances when people shouldn’t use a hot tub, at least without consulting a medical professional first. This includes women that are expecting, young children, people with heart conditions, people on prescription medication and anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Choosing the Best Hot Tub for Hydrotherapy
Some hot tubs are designed more with hydrotherapy in mind than others. Cheap models are typically just designed to have some water jets and top accommodate several users on basic seating. Quality models will focus more on hydrotherapy and have ergonomically designed seating and loungers that are comfortable to bathers of all sizes. Their water jets will have a wide variety of sizes and styles to effectively target different muscle groups.
Ask you hot tub dealer about which models of hot tubs they recommend to deliver the best hydrotherapy massage. There are also a number of add-ons that you can choose from to exchange your relaxation experiences, such as aromatherapy and chromotherapy.
To learn more about hot tubs and how to get the most wellness benefits, download a hot tub buyer’s guide.