We can all count off the benefits that a hot tub brings to our lives. It is a place to hang out with the family, entertain the neighbors, unwind after a busy day, and even have a pretty fabulous date night. What you may not know is that the hot tub can also treat many illnesses and conditions. The warmth and buoyancy of the water, the gentle massage of the jets, the escape from the rest of the world all combine to provide powerful hydrotherapy treatments that may surprise you. Read on to learn about 10 illnesses and conditions that can be treated by hot tub therapy.
1) Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint condition characterized by stiff and painful joints caused by inflammation. The hot tub’s warm water soothes the aches and pains, enhances blood flow, loosens joints, and can lead to increased mobility.
2) Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disease with multiple symptoms. Pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and mood swings can all characterize this condition. The hot tub’s moist heat increases blood flow, soothes pain, and encourages more joint flexibility. The warm water also lowers blood pressure and causes a feeling of sleepiness upon getting out and cooling down. Notably, the warmth also causes the release of endorphins, which are known to improve mood.
3) Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that has varying degrees of severity. Most patients experience movement and walking difficulties, as well as joint pain and muscle stiffness. The hot tub’s warm water can provide relief to the joint stiffness, loosen muscular tightness, and promote flexibility. Similarly, aqua therapy can also help with sleep disorders.
4) Mental Illness
Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders respond well to regular sessions in a hot tub. Soaking in warm water induces the release of endorphins, or “the feel-good” hormone. Endorphins are known to reduce both pain and stress and increase feelings of positivity. When endorphins are released into the brain, a sense of euphoria is produced. Furthermore, the hot tub’s calm and quiet atmosphere is conducive to stress relief, relaxation, and ease of tension.
5) Autism
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex disease with multiple manifestations. Many individuals with autism experience sensory overload and increased anxiety. The warm water of a hot tub is relaxing and can dull the senses and calm the individual. Moreover, many patients find the physical sensation of the water extremely soothing.
6) Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy is a group of disorders characterized by progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. The buoyancy of the hot tub’s water provides a low impact way to exercise with body support. Hydrotherapy can be essential for maintaining muscle strength for as long a time as possible.
7) Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease that affects an individual’s movement. Tremors are common, as is difficulty with balance and muscle stiffness. In a hot tub, patients find the warmth of the water helps loosen muscles and ease stiffness. Also, the water’s buoyancy helps considerably with balance issues.
8) Insomnia
Sleep disorders affect many of us and cannot be taken lightly. Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep and to stay asleep. This disorder can affect individuals from time to time or be a chronic condition. You can use your hot tub to conquer your insomnia once and for all. Soaking in the hot tub for 20 minutes before bed can ready your body for a good night’s sleep. First, the body’s temperature is raised by the water’s warmth, then is lowered quickly upon exiting the tub. This change in body temperature induces sleepiness and helps you enter a deeper state of sleep. Furthermore, the general relaxation experienced by the warm water and gentle massage lowers tension and soothes away stress.
9) Bursitis, Tendonitis
The conditions of bursitis and tendonitis are characterized by pain caused by inflammation. Whether it is a sore knee, shoulder, or hip, the application of moist heat is known to be helpful. Regular soaks in the hot tub can relax your musculoskeletal system, alleviate joint pain, and melt your stress away.
10) The Common Cold
Do I have your attention now? It’s true. Regular soaks in your hot tub can strengthen your immune system. The hot tub’s warm water can increase your circulation, thus bringing nutrients to your cells and tissues. More importantly, the heat can flush out toxins, metabolic wastes, and inflammatory by-products. In effect, increased circulation equals a stimulated immune system. Furthermore, study results have shown that if you do get a cold, symptoms can last half as long.
We may be singing to the choir when we praise the many benefits of using your hot tub. All of us appreciate how our regular soaks increase our feelings of relaxation, ease pain, and promote feelings of well-being. However, many of us have not considered how using our hot tubs for hydrotherapy can have a much farther reaching benefit. These 10 illnesses that can be treated by hot tub therapy are a real eye-opener to what is possible.
Aqua Pools is in the business of providing the highest quality hot tubs and spas in the Chicagoland area. We would like to add you to our family of satisfied customers. Give us a call or visit our showrooms and let’s see what we can do for you!