Hydrotherapy has been around for a long time. It was used by the ancient Greeks, as well as the ancient Chinese, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations. Are you curious as to what happens during hydrotherapy to make it such a long-standing remedy? The warmth and buoyancy of the water promote muscle relaxation, increase blood circulation, and help decrease pain. If you have a hot tub or spa, you can easily put hydrotherapy to work to ease a number of ailments and conditions. Let’s examine some of the many ways the curative use of water can affect the physiology of the body and provide great benefit to an individual.

Hydrotherapy for Pain Management

The weightlessness of water supports the body and can release the tension in muscles and give them a break from pain. Also, the support of the water enables the individual to make more flexible movements they would not be able to do on land. Hydrotherapy is the perfect treatment for people who would not be able to exercise on land due to balance issues and fear of falling. 

Hydrotherapy for Joint Rehabilitation

People who have undergone joint surgery require physical therapy for a period of time post-operation. Hydrotherapy is ideal for joint rehabilitation. The aquatic environment provides less stress on the joints, and the patient can often do exercises that would cause more pain if done outside of the water. The heat of the water also reduces edema and inflammation post-surgery. Using water therapy after joint surgery often leads to a faster recovery.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Water exercise, or hydrotherapy, has been shown in various studies to benefit cardiac patients. Research demonstrates that hydrotherapy can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower heart rate, increase the body’s endurance for exercise, improve heart function, and improve allover cardiovascular function. There are a number of reasons for this. When a cardiac patient becomes more fit, their hypertension issues often get better. Water exercise in a hot tub or swim spa also creates a stronger degree of pressure or resistance, causing the individual to adapt and use their muscles to greater effect than they might do on land. Finally, the warmth of the water dilates the blood vessels and causes more efficient blood distribution to various parts of the body. This benefits the cardiovascular system and hypertension issues.

Using Hydrotherapy to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

We all can vouch for the fact that hot water is relaxing. We know heat relaxes muscles, but did you know it can cause the body to release endorphins that help calm the body’s reaction to stress and anxiety? Bathing in warm water has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol (also called “the stress hormone”) and raise levels of serotonin (the “feel good” hormone”). The main class of drugs to treat anxiety and depression contain serotonin, which can be produced naturally through hydrotherapy. Regular soaks in a hot tub or spa can significantly reduce levels of stress and anxiety. And when you reduce stress in your life, you will increase your vibrancy, energy, and enthusiasm for life. 

Hydrotherapy has a long history of benefiting individuals with a number of health conditions. It is ideal for rehabilitation after joint surgery, for improving cardiovascular health, reducing pain, and controlling stress and anxiety. Now that you know what happens during hydrotherapy, you may be more inclined to take advantage of your hot tub to improve your level of wellness. The professionals at Aqua Pools have years of experience matching our customers up with the hot tub that will provide them with the most benefit and enjoyment. We carry Marquis Spas® with numerous hot tub models, and Marquis Aquatic Training Vessels™ that will meet all your hydrotherapy and aquatic exercise needs. Contact Aqua Pools today to get started on transformational hydrotherapy that can make all the difference in how you live your life.