5 Therapeutic Uses of Hot Tubs

While hot tubs and spas are generally seen as fun and relaxing additions to the home, they also provide some great therapeutic effects.

In the past, they’ve often been used to relieve certain medical conditions and can be invaluable therapeutic support if you suffer from a long-term chronic illness or health problem.

Here are just 5 medical conditions where popping into the hot tub for a short spell can help ease symptoms:

1. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects movement and the control you have over it. This is a debilitating condition even in its early stages and swimming is quite often used to help strengthen muscles.

The hot tub can be used to do exercises and to relax in the warm water which provides plenty of support for the body. The jets also provide a gentle massage which can be equally therapeutic.

2. Chronic Back Pain

If you’ve ever had a chronic back problem that recurs again and again, you’ll know how debilitating it can be. Especially after an attack, it can be beneficial to get in the warm water of the hot tub and have your body massaged by the jets.

One of the issues with back pain is how the muscles tighten up and spasm. The warm hot tub certainly helps improve blood flow and gets oxygen to these vital areas, easing the spasm and soothing the pain.

3. Arthritis and Fibromyalgia

Arthritis usually affects the joints and causes inflammation and pain. With fibromyalgia, you have pain all over your body as well as extreme tiredness and muscle stiffness. For some, soaking in a hot tub with its warm jets can loosen those muscles and help reduce pain.

Hydrotherapy, where the water is circulated around the body, can again increase blood flow and may be the perfect way to prepare for bedtime, especially if the condition keeps you awake at night.

4. Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neurological Disorders

Muscular dystrophy is another chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort through muscle wasting and muscle loss. Patients can feel weak and fatigued all the time so the warm water of a spa or hot tub can be a great source of relief.

Other neurological disorders can have different effects on the muscles, for example, tightening them up and the hot tub should help relax these and bring about a soothing effect.

5. Old Age Pains

Of course, the time that most of us start to feel aches and pains in our bodies is when we start to get a little bit older. Muscles don’t work so well and joints crack all too often. A little time spent in the spa doing some exercises can make all the difference to our general comfort levels and our mobility.

Hot tubs are also great if you’ve overdone it on the sports field, at the gym or suffered a muscle strain. Jumping in a warm bath is fine but a hot tub is so much more effective if you want those tired or aching muscles to loosen up and relax.

For those suffering with a medical condition that may also need help getting in and out of a hot tub or swim spa, we can help by discussing different safety options and also stair options for helping with mobility.

Please note: This article is not medical advice and is based on general opinion and holistic therapy practice where it is well known that heat application to the body can help to relieve pain and injury. We are not medically trained and advise that you seek professional advice from a health practitioner before changing anything about your routine or therapy practices before you intend to do so.