Hot tubs are AWESOME tools for chronic and acute illness. Hydrotherapy (or hot water therapy) has been used for centuries and is one of the few forms of ancient therapy backed by modern research. There are plenty of reasons to invest in a hot tub, but the most exciting is that you can enjoy a soothing dip while working toward a happier, healthier version of yourself.

Hot tub therapy involves applying hot or cold water to the body or body parts for relaxation, stimulation, vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Where hot water relaxes muscles and reduces swelling, cold water has a stimulating effect on the body and is useful for sprains and headaches. It’s also useful for detoxification and boosting the immune system!

A combination of underwater massage, water jets and physical therapy exercise is typical in hydrotherapy. Please do not use your hot tub to treat yourself without consulting your physician first. Not everyone is the right candidate for hydrotherapy.

Here are seven illnesses that can be treated by your hot tub:

Acute & Chronic Pain

Hot tubs relieve chronic pain with warmth, supportive buoyancy and relaxation. The heat and support in a hot tub is useful for relieving constant pain. Hydrotherapy is used for temporary pain relief from many forms of acute and chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, body aches, joint pain and more. Warm water also might help to slow pain signals as they work to reach the brain, which can reduce actual feelings of discomfort.

Arthritis

Hot water alleviates arthritis significantly. The heat combined with lower gravitational force relaxes the body, reduces joint and tissue swelling and limits the body’s exposure to pain. However, people with arthritis should be careful and avoid soaking by themselves as the heat can lead to fatigue and weakness.

Digestive Issues

Hot tub hydrotherapy may alleviate your digestive issues. After you eat, food enters your gastrointestinal system and causes more blood to flow to your stomach and intestines. If you soak in hot water after, your blood vessels will widen which can improve blood flow and circulation to the gastrointestinal system.  

Swelling

Hot water can be used to decrease swelling. The high water temperature reduces swelling and inflammation associated with injuries, illness and fatigue by relaxing your muscles and joints. Water pressure is also responsible for gently compressing swollen areas which further reduces pain and increases blood circulation.

Muscle Soreness & Stiffness

Decrease muscle soreness and stiffness with your hot tub. Hot water is an effective way to reduce muscle spasms by relaxing your muscular system. You can improve your endurance, strength and movement by utilizing water resistance. Allow your muscles to relax and rejuvenate with regular hot tub sessions. 

Poor Blood Flow

Hot water stimulates blood flow, especially in the skin and throughout the body. As blood flow is stimulated, blood vessels dilate which can reduce blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is extremely dangerous as it can cause damaged and weakened blood vessels in the brain. Damaged blood vessels can leak, rupture or narrow, leading to stroke.

Balance Issues

Hot tub therapy is a great way to improve balance issues with enhanced stabilization. Water buoyancy is an effective way to counterbalance gravitational force. This is useful in physical therapy, especially for anyone whose fitness routine has suffered as a result of vertigo.

If you plan to use a public hot tub, be sure that it is monitored and regularly sanitized. Public hot tubs can expose you to dangerous germs and bacteria.

Ready to invest in your health and wellness? Visit our site today to pick out your very own hot tub. At Pool Tech Plus, you can rest assured that we only carry the best spas on the market (like our Master Spas Healthy Living Spas collection)! Call us today at (575) 639-9315 if you have any questions!