If you have aches and pains throughout your body and nothing has been helpful in relieving the pain, it might be beneficial to turn toward hydrotherapy. Whether you’re experiencing fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) or another form of body pain, low-impact exercise might be helpful.

Learn more about the history and definition of hydrotherapy, understand exactly what fibromyalgia is, and get to know the connection between an ancient bath and common body aches.

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a form of therapy using hot and cold water-massage to relieve external and internal body pain. A hydrotherapy pain relief massage uses different temperatures and pressures of water to help sooth specific symptoms such sore muscles, joint stiffness, common colds, headaches, and much more. Even though hydrotherapy can be practiced in many different forms, hydrotherapy benefits are often delivered through underwater jet massages, such as those found in hot tubs and walk-in tubs.

Experts date hydrotherapy benefits back to the times of Ancient Greece when Hippocrates began using this unique treatment as a form of relaxation to rid the body of the common aches and pains. In addition to Ancient Greece, hydrotherapy can also be traced back to Ancient Chinese, Roman, and Egyptian times. Over time, hydrotherapy began to grow in popularity and was used for its therapeutic benefits, rather than just to aid in relaxation. Finally, hydrotherapy made its way to North America in the 1840s. Today, hydrotherapy comes in many forms and has many health benefits.

 

In the early nineteenth century, a prophet known as Sebastian Kneipp created what is now known as the Kneipp therapy. Kneipp’s hydrotherapy philosophy involves water, herbs, exercise, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits. Not only is the therapy used to maintain general health, but it’s also used as a rehabilitation to help the body get back to par after an illness or injury. Sebastian Kneipp was just the beginning of the hydrotherapy phenomenon.

What is Fibromyalgia?

According to WebMD, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is the second most common condition affecting your bones and muscles, however it is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Symptoms include widespread muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue with no known cure. In addition, individuals may experience tenderness of trigger points which can lead to a constant dull ache throughout the body.

Some other fibromyalgia symptoms can include:

• body fatigue
• restlessness or problems sleeping
• headaches
• depression and/or anxiety
• trouble focusing
• pain in the lower abdomen

Since there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, hydrotherapy has been used as a treatment to help relieve pain.

 

The Connection Between Hydrotherapy and Fibromyalgia

The health benefits of water should never be underestimated. Hydrotherapy benefits help reduce, soothe, and relieve the body of tough aches, making it a logical next step to help patients experiencing fibromyalgia. Not all treatments will be the same, but some FMS patients have experienced relief.

According to a review conducted in 2008 by Rheumatology International, the study outcome concluded that “there is strong evidence to support the use of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia (FMS).” The majority of patients in the study were women who were qualified as having FMS and at the end of the study the majority of the subjected experienced an overall improvement in pain management, sleep quality, body aches, and overall life.

In addition, hydrotherapy serves as a complement to regular exercise, which can be beneficial for those suffering from FMS. Exercise on its own may work for many patients, but a relaxing bath will aid in muscle recovery and the many health benefits of exercise.

According to a report written in the Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, women with fibromyalgia were recruited for a randomized control trial study to determine whether a hydrotherapy exercise program produced improvements in pain associated with fibromyalgia.  They found that participants after a 12-week hydrotherapy training program, knee strength, quality of life, and pain reduction improved significantly more than in the control group.

If you are experiencing fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), talk to your doctor about hydrotherapy and the benefits that it may provide.

Learn more about what our features and products can do for you and get your very own hydrotherapy tub today.

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The way we live in our homes today, and how aging well has become so important that builders, renovators and homeowners are starting to pay more attention to creating an accessible and universal design plan for today’s generations.  Products, design details and materials now reflect todays needs in meeting accessibility requirements of older adults and those with mobility challenges, and no longer look institutional.

Safety and design have become paramount in bathrooms, as we’ve seen statistics of fall related injuries and the demographics of the many people visiting emergency rooms because of their falls.  Today, more than ever as we are spending more time in our homes, we want our loved ones and neighbours to be injury-free in the most used rooms.  With a legacy surpassing 150 years of excellence, we’ve put together a list of things to consider in your bathroom design to allow customers at any stage of life maintain safety, comfort & independence regardless of mobility limitations.

Access:  If your bathroom doors are less than 32” wide, you may have difficulty in passing through them, whether you are carrying towels if you are using a walker or wheelchair.  Optimal door widths to accommodate people and daily aids to living are 34”-36”.  There are different types of doors-pocket doors, hinged doors, or even sliding barn-type doors have made a presence in today’s renovations.  If you are a fall risk, consider reversing the hinge of the bathroom door to open out of the bathroom instead.  If you were to fall behind the door, EMS will be able to reach and assist you faster.

Grab Bars:  Bathrooms have been identified as the leading room where people have sustained falls & injuries resulting in ER assistance, that they’ve sustained while bathing/showering, getting in/out of the bathtub, tripping or while toileting.  Adding a Superpole, grab bar, or decorative support accessories used specifically for lateral support, can greatly reduce the risk of falling.

 

Easy to Clean Surfaces:  as people age, it becomes more difficult to clean and maintain high maintenance surfaces such as stone, tile/grout, and glass.  Choose materials that are easy to clean.  There are plenty of choices, and these can still match your new bathroom décor.  When it comes to germs, it’s important to stay on top of keeping things clean.

 

ADA Toilets and Accessible Countertops:  Getting older means that you make have stiff joints or knees that have been replaced.  Choosing toilets that have a taller seat height makes them more comfortable and accessible for all.  Closer to a 17” chair height will be more helpful during all the ups and downs that you will incur.

Countertops and right-height pedestal sinks that are 34” high, help reduce strains on knees and backs from prolonged use and standing.  Providing a multiple-height counter will be more inclusive to the needs of everyone in the home, from young children to those who need to sit in front of a counter with knee space below.

 

Accessible Bathtubs or Low/Zero-entry Showers: Joint stiffness, mobility challenges, frailty and balance issues will make getting in and out of a bathtub and shower difficult, if not resulting in falls.  A zero-entry shower pan or constructed floor is a better option as you don’t need to lift your legs over a threshold to walk into the shower.  However, you will need a seat, whether built-in or freestanding.  Seats need to be positioned close enough to the shower valve and/or hand shower so that the user is not over-reaching.  Just be careful to allow for access to easily move in and out of the shower; and be careful when using glass walls if you have visual challenges.

 

An accessible bathtub with an outward opening door is a better option because it is fully accessible even to wheelchair users, and the built-in integral seat will not move.  On a ComfortSeries™ bathtub, all the controls are within-arms-reach, and a door prevents a bather from falling out, even if standing to shower.

 

Single Lever Faucets:  Selecting a faucet with lever handles makes the faucet easier to operate for limited grip strength, and by choosing a single-lever faucet, it makes it that much easier.

Lever Handles:  If you have arthritis or any other grip-preventing challenge, you know that round door knobs are difficult to turn; replacing all your door handles with lever style, will make it easier and more comfortable to use as your needs change.  There are several finishes that can match your faucets, or other finishes in your home.

 

Storage Space:  Bathroom cabinets and countertops can easily become cluttered with medications, products, and other daily essentials.  This in turn makes it harder to clean and access your bathroom.  Plan for proper storage of necessities, in easy-to-reach locations.  Keeping it organized means that you will know where each item is, where and when you need it.

 

Non-Slip Rubber-backed Bath Mat:  Any rug in a bathroom is a trip hazard, especially if it moves.  However, if you place a rubber-backed rug by your bathtub or shower, it will be handy to prevent any slips from wet feet.

 

Universal Design doesn’t mean it has to look institutional, and in fact could look like a spa bathroom; just safer and more accessible.  As more Older Adults continue to age, bathroom and home designs will continue to evolve and improve to accommodate accessible design elements.

With American Standard’s luxurious ComfortSeries™ accessible and walk-in tubs, stylish easy-to-use faucets, and RightHeight® toilets, you can create a beautiful bathroom that safely and comfortably supports independently remaining at home.

 

Are you considering including an accessible walk-in bathtub?  Get a free estimate for the best walk-in tub in Canada, by clicking the button below.

 

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When you combine slippery tile or laminate flooring with running water, soap, confined spaces, and lots of dangerous corners, it should come as no surprise that according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CHI), every day last year, almost 1800 over the age of 15 reported Emergency Room visits, and 417 hospital admissions due to falls.

The National Institute on Aging states that 80% of falls occur in the bathroom, with 35% directly related to bath or shower related accidents; injury frequency increasing exponentially with age. Getting in and out of the bathtub the right way is an important consideration that can help reduce the number of ER visits each year.

Let’s look at five important bathroom safety tips for getting in and out of the bathtub carefully.

Think non-slip:

Throughout the bathroom, and especially near the tub or shower, make sure that all floor surfaces have non-slip rugs or mats to minimize the chance of slips or falls when it comes to bathtub safety. Throw rugs with non-skid backing may work, but look for microfiber or gel-filled rugs instead. These choices feature very grippy bottoms that hold onto tile or smooth floor surfaces best.

Grab bars are a must:

One of the easiest and most affordable tips is to install at least one grab bar on the adjacent wall, or a properly secured floor-to-ceiling SuperPole. More than just providing stability for seniors and young kids, grab bars are a good idea for all. Stay away from any grab bars that use suction cups, as these can often be more harmful if the suction cup slips even a tiny bit. Bolt-on units are much more sturdy and add a level of safety that stick-on units simply can’t achieve.

Install a walk-in tub: 

While more expensive, a one-time investment in a top-quality walk-in tub can minimize the risks posed by a standard, slippery bathtub. Users won’t have to hike their legs over a tall bathtub ledge, and most units feature built-in seats, convenient soap trays, and other features that minimize the need to reach for objects and assure bathtub safety.

Use a handheld shower wand:

Handheld shower wands can be attached to almost any shower head and are a great way for seniors to stay safe in the bathtub. Using a handheld shower wand means that you don’t have to remain standing for long periods of time under slippery soap and water run-off.

Keep proper form in mind:

Just as exercise is only safe and effective when proper form is maintained, it is also important to enter and exit the bathtub using a specific series of movements. When entering the bath, hold onto the ledge and place one leg over while squatting down slightly to lower your center of gravity. Then, pull the other leg over as you maintain your grip on the ledge. Slowly lower to your knees, while holding onto the ledge, and then move into your resting position. Exiting the bath is simply the reverse.

A walk-in tub is one of the safest additions to any home, and combining this unique bathroom fixture with grab bars, appropriate bathroom flooring, a bath chair, and common-sense bathtub safety steps can dramatically reduce the number of ER visits each year.

How Caregivers Can Help

As a caregiver, you are responsible for the safety of your loved one. Helping them get in and out of the bathtub safely, without getting hurt is key. Below are some things to consider when helping your friend or family member stay safe:

• Provide sturdy handrails at key areas where they are getting in and out of the bathtub
• Educate them on the benefits of a safe, senior-friendly walk-in tub
• Help keep the floors dry and the bathroom clean
• Arrange toiletries so they are within reach
• Ask your loved one how you can help make their bathroom safer

These are just a few tips that will help seniors be safe in the bathroom and notes on how caregivers can help! To learn more about bathroom safety, explore BATHCARE, and  discover Canada’s BEST Walk-in Tub for the safest bathing experience!

 

A strategy of reducing the incidence of falls, and enabling individuals to remain independent in their home or place of residence; American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada works with families, caregivers and health professionals in providing suitable, safe, and accessible bathing solutions.

 

HomeCare Bathing Solutions

There is a shift in healthcare towards home care, and we know that this means that there is a greater reliance on an individual’s home, their environment, and their care team.  Helping our clients to prepare now, helps them regain their independence with greater confidence and control over their quality of life and dignity, and will prevent terrible falls.

 

Grab bars will always be the first thing identified as being needed in the bathroom of persons struggling with balance or weakness.

 

But what happens when you can no longer bend, lift your legs over a bathtub or shower threshold, or are not able to get up out of the bathtub?

 

When accidents and injuries do occur, often, patients cannot be discharged from medical facilities until there are accessible housing and bathing options available to them for their recovery.

 

American Standard has set the standard for healthy living and accessible style & design for 150 years; and we are committed in ensuring that our Canadian citizens have the safest bathing solutions possible, helping to retain independent living with ComfortSeries™ bathtubs.

 

 

Outward opening walk-in bathtubs are the best solution because they are fully accessible by slide-in transfer seat, without barriers as inward-opening door tubs pose.

ComfortSeries™ outward-opening accessible bathtubs will also accommodate portable (ie. Hoyer) user lifts, reducing physical strain on caregivers.

In comparison to seated or walk-in showers, an outward door will always be the safest option in preventing falls while bathing and showering.

 

The hydrotherapy aspect of these bathtubs becomes an important element to health & wellness, by promoting healing through circulation of blood flow and tissue oxygenation.  American Standard’s RevitaJet® Hydrotherapy System is designed to assist in relieving arthritic conditions, stress & anxiety, to treating insomnia.  Water therapy helps to deactivate inflammation, relieving joint, muscle, and sciatica pain and assisting through accident and stroke recovery.

True hydrotherapy like the RevitaJet® Hydrotherapy System includes BOTH water and air jets to target and massage problem areas.

To ensure quick access to the bather if a medical emergency should occur, ComfortSeries™ bathtubs are equipped with QuickDrain®, American Standard’s patented fast water removal system, which rapidly drains the water in under 2 minutes.

 

Dignified Bathing

ComfortSeries™ accessible and walk-in bathtubs are fitted with an InLine Heater to ensure consistent and comfortable water temperatures.  Many view bathing/showering as a daily task, however many older adults go without bathing at all because they are not able; a lack of accessibility, not able to step over a bathtub or raised shower threshold, or where a shower seat is located too far from the faucet.  This can cause a fear of falling due to overreaching.

An American Standard ComfortSeries™ accessible bathtub offers dignified bathing to all users, and it’s preferred by caregivers.

 

Healthier Caregivers

It is reported that the instance of back-related injury claims sustained by Personal Support Workers in community & assisted living facilities have decreased since installing ComfortSeries™ bathtubs.  The transfer seat height and overall operational features of the bathtub provides relief and assistance to the caregiver as well as the bather.

 

The outward-opening tub becomes a necessity as age and mobility needs become challenges.  Let American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada provide the assistance to you and your clients, where other companies and products cannot.

By using the best quality American Standard products on the market, and offering personalized service with our Mobile Showroom, Certified Aging in Place Specialists, and professional installations, we are able to accommodate our clients’ needs, and the ability to provide professional services on behalf of our Healthcare Partners.

 

See the difference for yourself.  Request to view the Mobile Showroom privately at your home or call 1-844-867-7737.

 

ComfortSeries™ is a preferred product in Residential, Community & Retirement Living Projects across Canada.

 

 

We all have New Year’s Resolutions and if one of yours is to incorporate more exercise into your routine, these workouts for seniors can help! There’s no reason to make excuses because in as little as 15 minutes, you can get moving and enjoy the many benefits of exercise.

Let’s look at some safe, effective 15-minute workouts for seniors!

A Walk Outside (or on the Treadmill)

The easiest (and most affordable) way to get moving is just to take a walk outside. Or, if the weather doesn’t permit this winter, take a walk on the treadmill. This exercise should be no more than 60-75% of your maximum heart rate (which is 220 minus your age). Aim for this fat burning zone to both burn calories and increase your cardiovascular strength. For example, if your target heart rate is 165 bpm, a brisk walk should do the trick. If you’re inside, try turning up the incline to imitate walking up hill. This will help raise your heart rate and stimulate more muscles in the legs and glutes.

Wall Push Ups

Regular push ups might be hard for some people, but wall push ups are the perfect upper body workout for seniors because they are low impact for sensitive joints, safe, and effective. Simply stand in front of a sturdy wall about two feet away. Place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Keep your body straight and bend your elbows so your body leans in toward the wall. Stop with your face as close to the wall as you can get, then push yourself back up. Watch a video demonstration of wall push ups here.
For your full 15-minute workout, try doing 50 seconds of the exercise with 10 seconds rest. You can combine wall push ups with other upper body work, like bicep curls with household items.

Chair Squats

Squats are a great way to work the hamstrings and glutes, but bending down to the ground to do a full squat might be out of the question. But, that doesn’t mean you have to give up this beneficial exercise. In fact, squats are one of the best workouts for seniors because they help improve functional movement that you use every day.

For chair squats, simply set up a sturdy chair and stand about a foot in front of it. Keeping your back straight and your chest upright, sit back into the chair. Instead of putting all your weight down, try to just touch the chair with your glutes and then stand back up. This continuous tension will help your muscles grow! If you want to step it up a notch, try adding some dumbbells for extra weight. Just make sure to stretch it out before and after your workout to avoid injury.

Dance

There are countless dance classes at the gym, but you can have a dance party right in your own living room and get a great workout! If you’re serious about getting your dance on, there are plenty of online resources to learn how to dance. Or, simply put on your favorite playlist and get moving! Don’t worry about looking a little silly, we all need a laugh or two here and there.

Back Leg Raises

While you have your chair out from your chair squats, let’s add another lower body workout for seniors. Back leg raises are a great move to work the hamstrings and glutes and a similar movement is used in a lot of barre, yoga, and ballet classes.

Stand behind a chair and slowly lift one leg straight back without bending your knees or pointing your toes. Instead, flex your foot downward. Hold that pose for one to five seconds, depending on your strength level. Repeat this 10-15 times per leg. If you want to try mixing it up, pulse five times while your leg is at its highest point to maintain tension in the muscle. More variations can be found in this barre-inspired video. You’ll have a better shaped behind in no time!

Age is just a number when it comes to moving your body. This year, ditch the excuses and try these workouts for seniors right in your own home. Build a complete workout routine to improve your activity.

To help you relax after your exercising program, rejuvenate your body and relax your mind in a hot bath.  A ComfortSeries bathtub can help your body recover.

Want to learn more about the best walk-in tub in Canada? Click the button below to get a free estimate!

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*Health experts suggest that you talk to your doctor before you start an exercise program.