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.

Contact Us in Canada at 1-844-867-7737

 

Do you ever wonder why people enjoying a good bubble bath take so long in the bathtub?  Not only is it soothing and calming, but it’s actually good for you.

Of course, baths take longer than showers so it might not be as convenient, but the benefits of a bath far outweigh that of a shower.

Ileana Poules-Brunet agrees, and has written several lifestyle articles about it.  However, American Standard has been in the bathroom business for almost 150 years, so we know a thing or two about bathrooms, healthy living, bathing science and health benefits.

Here’s why a Bath is better than a Shower:

Youthfulness and Age Delay

Dermatologists will tell you that bathing can reduce skin complications like acne, and reduce the aging process.

For those that are frequently stressed by everyday life, circumstances, health (both physical and emotional), the stress hormone Cortisol will be elevated.  Elevated Cortisol levels can increase blood pressure, cause weight gain, fatigue, irritability and headaches, but can also lead to anxiety or depression.  According to Premier Health, Cortisol narrows the arteries, while another hormone Epinephrine, increases your heart rate, forcing your blood to pump harder and faster.  This also increases blood sugar levels that your pancreas may struggle with, whether or not it can keep up with the demand for insulin.

Long-term elevated Cortisol can also suppress your immune system, thereby making you more susceptible to colds and illness, and the inability to reduce inflammation.

We know that Inflammation is at the root cause of almost all illnesses.

Sore Muscle Relief

When muscles are sore, we usually apply hot compresses or heating pads.  A warm bath encourages the circulation of blood around your body.  The increased blood flow provides your muscles with more oxygen and nutrients.  This improves the elasticity of the connective tissues, releases muscle tightness, and relieves pain.  Healthline states that heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area due to increased temperature, and can actually heal damaged tissue.

When you are bathing, you are submerged in warm to hot water, which not only relieves the muscles in your body, but the buoyancy in water relieves pressure from sore joints as well.

Muscle Recovery can occur in just 15 minutes

Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Improved Blood Pressure

Always check with your doctor before starting a new therapy, but they usually agree that a warm bath may be the best option for you.

While exercise for seniors is important for overall wellness, as is a healthy eating plan; taking a warm bath might be just as good if you are looking to burn a few extra calories.  Soaking in an hour-long hot bath can burn as many calories (around 140) as a 30 minute walk according to a 2017 study led by Dr. Faulkner at Loughborough University in London.

Warm water raises your temperature and makes your heart beat faster.  This is good for cardiovascular health, because your body must work harder to maintain the appropriate internal temperature, which accelerates the body’s ability to burn fat.  Hot baths also improve the body’s anti-inflammatory response, just like exercising.

Heart Healthy

A new study from Japan reports that hot baths can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  Bathing is a key part of Japanese culture, and they found that the risk for hypertension/cardiovascular disease and stroke is significantly decreased.   30,000 Japanese adults were tracked for 20 years during this study, which showed 26-28% lower risk, but by using hot baths, this number jumped to a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Insomnia Help

According to TheSleepDoctor and Princess Cruise Line’s spokesperson & Luxury Bed Developer Dr. Michael Breus, warm baths have been a well known remedy for years for people with insomnia, because warm water relaxes the body and helps core body temperatures to drop afterwards.  It also signals the pineal gland in your brain to produce melatonin (your sleep hormone).  The best time for a bath is 1-2 hours prior to going to bed.  According to Dr. Shahab Haghayegh, it’s called the Power-Down Hour.  Warm to hot baths help muscles to relax, reducing arthritic pain, and increases circulation to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Reducing pain also helps you to get a good night’s sleep.

Stress-Relief

As with all stress-relieving techniques, some form of meditation is required along with wellness therapies.  Some examples are:

• creating a calming atmosphere
• imagining the temporary feeling of escape from stressors
• Chromatherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Focussing on your muscles relaxing and the sensations that you are feeling

Meditating (or simple mindfulness) while the bathtub is filling, and during your bathing and hydrotherapy session will help to heal, and assist you on your wellness journey.

 

 

ComfortSeries™ Bathtubs Are Cleaner Than Showers

If you are washing off or soaking from a normal day, a bath will clean you the same as a shower.  If you have dirt or bacteria on you, then a shower may be a quick way to eliminate the dirt, however, bathtubs such as American Standard’s ComfortSeries™️ have an Ozone Sanitation System built in.  This means bacteria is killed 3000+ times faster than chlorine, and eliminates any disease-causing organisms.  It is completely safe, and actually improves the water quality in your bathtub; it eliminates dirt/grime ring that bathing may leave by oxidizing oils, salts & soaps by removing those particles from the water.  It’s so much cleaner than a shower!

BONUS

Bathing consumes LESS water than showering.

 

Taking a bath has many health benefits, from decreased stress to better heart health and blood circulation.  If you are interested in promoting relaxation, easing fatigue and treating chronic pain, a bath might be the choice for you.  With a ComfortSeries™️ walk-in tub, everyone can take advantage of this relaxing and beneficial therapy because it’s also accessible for safety.

The best way for you to take action & start to heal and reduce pain, is to reconsider what a bath can really do for you.  And when you are ready to combine that with a universal safe option for bathing, our professionals will help:  our personalized service team helps you determine the best product for your needs, and our professional installations take only just one day.

For more information:  American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada  1-844-867-7737

Do you ever wonder why you lay in bed wide awake, when your body knows that it should be getting at least 7 hours of restful sleep?

Well it turns out, that there are several elements that can hinder your precious shut-eye, and here are some tips to help you cope and remedy wakefulness.

 

There are three types of Insomnia; which one relates to you?

• Transient (symptoms are less than 1 week)
• Acute (short term symptoms)
• Chronic (long term symptoms)

 

Statistics show that 20%-30% of Canadian adults struggle with sleep issues, and 50%-60% of those are related to medical and mental ill health.  Older adults are more susceptible to insomnia, and suffer from sleep deprivation for a number of reasons: age, anxiety, worry, hormones, digital devices, illness, inflammation, injury, and nighttime bathroom visits.

 

 

What is Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, and waking through the night, preventing you from falling back to sleep.  We need 7-9 hours of restful sleep for general good health and cognitive functioning.

Not getting a recommended 7+ hours of sleep regularly can leave you feeling foggy, irritable, depressed, confused, and at a higher risk of accidental falls.

According to the Sleep Foundation, those suffering from chronic insomnia are at a 20% increased risk of stroke and heart attacks.

 

Causes

There are several risk factors that can cause insomnia such as age, family genetics, the environment that you live and/or work in, the one you sleep in, your lifestyle in general, and the condition of your health.  A lack of sleep can affect your daily energy level, your mood swings, memory, concentration, decision-making and work performance.

We know that when we lack sleep, it can worsen your immune response, contribute to heart problems, blood pressure increases, mental health, cognitive decline and dementia.

For some, chronic pain and inflammation is the number 1 reason for their reduced Quality of Life and sleep deprivation.  Addressing pain directly could be the most important method to of tackling the source of your insomnia cycle, and promote self-healing.

 

Lifestyle Contributors

Address and review the activities that you participate in; what and when do you eat, how you exercise, what your hobbies are; do you actively listen to world events, news, COVID; are you socializing, and what medications you are taking?

 

Tips to Manage Insomnia Symptoms

The goal is to change and establish a regular sleep cycle.  One that will allow you to get a more restful night, recondition/reset your body’s time clock, and have a healthier and fresher next day to prevent illness and injury.

1. Schedule your bedtime routine. Identify when you will go to sleep, and when you will wake; be consistent each day.
2. Consume lighter meals at dinnertime, with reduced spices that can cause acid reflux.
3. No caffeine after noon, and no alcohol.
4. Keep your bedroom 2 degrees cooler at night. Your body’s temperature will adjust when you sleep.  Using blankets is a better way to warm your core during wind-down time.
5. Take a hot bath & soak 2 hours prior to bedtime. This will condition and prepare your body to know that sleep will be imminent.
6. Wind-down 1 hour prior to bedtime. Turn off TV or other stimulator sources like phones or tablets.
7. Keep your bed for sleeping only. Don’t bring work or projects with you to bed.
8. Remove artificial light and sounds from your bedroom (ie electronic devices, video games, tv’s).
9. Practice mindfulness and breathe deeply before and after lights go out.
10. Seek assistance for persistent chronic pain.

 

 

Did You Know?

A warm bath within 2 hours of your bedtime, can help promote a relaxed state by decreasing your body’s heat levels.  Here’s the science.

 

 

Exercise & Mindfulness

During the day, it’s important for you to get plenty of fresh air and sunlight, or light therapy and to stay hydrated, so that your muscles and joints are amply lubricated.  By being active and exercising in the morning, it will help blood flow and circulation early, preventing late night excitement and restless legs. Participating in Yoga, meditation, and relaxation activities in the afternoon or early evening can start your body in transitioning to a more calm and peaceful state that is more encouraging of a regular sleep cycle.

 

 

 

 

Not everyone can eliminate work or environmental stressors, but helping to manage it will better support your physical health and mental well-being; and hopefully, a better, more restful night’s sleep.

 

Learn more about ComfortSeries™️ bathtubs, and how they can help you improve your sleep cycles.

When you think of a luxurious bath, you probably imagine a tub of hot water topped with a thick foam of bubbles. While bubble bath products are popular for achieving bath time indulgence, there are other relaxing bath products that can enhance your soak and provide greater health benefits.

Why Bubble Bath Products Aren’t the Best for Your Bath Time

Have you ever treated yourself to a relaxing bubble bath only to suffer from dry, itchy skin for the rest of the day?

Your bubble bath products are probably the culprit.

To create bubbles, bubble bath products contain foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These chemicals are so aggressive that they remove the protective layer of your skin, which in turn makes your skin more sensitive to other ingredients. While sinking into bubbles may feel great at first, your bubble bath can end up giving you dry skin and aggravating existing skin issues.

Fortunately, there are other relaxing bath products that you can use instead. In addition to creating a luxury bath, these products can also boost your well-being and help with common ailments. This ensures the benefits of your soak last even longer than they would with bubble bath products.

Sea Salt Baths

If you suffer from dry skin or skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, sea salt baths could be just the ticket. The sea salt gently removes your dry skin and can soothe any itching, making it a great alternative to bubble bath products.

Sea salt baths are ideal for stiff joints, sore muscles, and cramps. They also improve poor circulation, especially in the legs. According to a review of scientific evidence, sea salt baths have even shown to help with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and many more!

Here’s how to enjoy the most sea salt bath benefits:

• Fill your tub with water that is a few degrees warmer than body temperature
• Add ¼ to 2 cups of sea salt to the water, depending on your size
• Soak for at least 20 minutes before getting out of the tub
• Dry off thoroughly and apply moisturizer to your skin

While salt baths are considered a safe way to bathe, you should avoid them if you have an open wound or develop hives after sitting in the salt water. If you’re suffering from severe skin conditions, aches, and pains, it’s always best to consult your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Essential Oils in Bath Water

With so many options to choose from, essential oils are a fun way to spice up your bath time and improve your well-being. Unlike bubble bath products, each essential oil carries its own unique aroma and health benefits. These are some of our favorites.

Lavender

This essential oil is perfect for stress relief. The relaxing scent can help you wind down for bed and relieve headaches and migraines. If you’re suffering from any aches, pains, or inflammation, lavender is one of the best essential oils for your bath water.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is another essential oil that can aid with aches and pains in your joints or muscles. The scent is much stronger than lavender, which means you may feel more alert after your bath. Just be careful if you have pets, as this essential oil is toxic to animals.

Chamomile

You might already drink chamomile tea to reduce stress or relax before bedtime. A soak with chamomile essential oil in the bath water can be just as effective. What’s more, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with pain, neuralgia, and arthritis.

Rose

Rose oil doesn’t just smell great, it’s a powerful essential oil, too. Try this essential oil in your bath water if you have pain or anxiety. Rose oil is thought to stimulate the brain to release endorphins, known as the feel-good hormone. After your soak, you may feel the difference in body and mind.

How to Use Bath Oils

Essential oils are 100% pure plant oil — or should be. Avoid any relaxing bath products that contain artificial fragrances, colors, or a high percentage of added water so you can get the most out of your bath time. Assuming your bath products are completely natural, here are some tips for using these essential oils in your bath water.

• Do a skin patch test.It’s possible to be allergic to essential oils, so test a small amount 24 hours before adding anything to your bath water.
• Use a carrier oil when adding essential oils to your bath water.Essential oils are not soluble and the droplets can irritate and burn your skin.
• Try these three great options for carrier oils: Coconut, sunflower, and jojoba oil. Add 3-12 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil for each bath.
• Add essential oils after drawing your bath.The hot water will allow the aromas to escape the oil and fill your bathroom with the scent. This means you get to enjoy some aromatherapy, too!
• Be aware that your tub may become more slippery.Take special care as you get out of the tub and be sure to use handrails or ask for assistance.

Try these alternative relaxing bath products to suit your mood and needs. You’ll likely find that your soak is even more luxurious than with any bubble bath products — and the benefits last much longer! If you want to enjoy your most relaxing soak yet, take a look at our guide to drawing the perfect hydrotherapy bath.

Hot baths help with a long list of medical complaints. No matter whether you’re living with headaches or dry skin, a soak in the tub can be a simple and effective at-home therapy. You can also try a hot bath for muscle recovery.

Although studies debate whether you’re better off taking a hot or cold bath for sore muscles, most people find the idea of hopping into a tub filled with cold water unpleasant. That’s why we focus on hot baths! Read on to find out why a hot bath for sore muscles could be the best way to relieve your pain and improve your mood.

What Causes Sore Muscles?

Everyone experiences sore muscles at some point in their lives. If you lead an active life, sore muscles may be a result of injuries. When you damage a nerve, disk, or vertebra, the surrounding muscles will often contract around the affected part of your body to prevent any further damage. While this is a critical biological response, the resulting muscle spasms can cause you more stress and discomfort.

Medical conditions may also be at the root of your muscle pain. Poor circulation, Parkinson’s disease, and autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis can cause muscle soreness. If you’re using ACE inhibitors to lower your blood pressure or statins to lower your cholesterol, you may also suffer from muscle aches.

Whatever the cause of your soreness, the pain can put your body in a state of increased stress, which can cause you to feel even more stiff and achy.

Why You Should Try a Hot Bath for Muscle Recovery

Here are four reasons to try a hot bath for sore muscles.

1. Relieve Muscle Stress Throughout the Body

Doctors and physical therapists often recommend heat therapy for muscle pain. You may have used a heat pack to reduce muscle soreness in a targeted area. Heat packs warm the skin and help you relax, but they can’t penetrate your muscles very effectively. Taking a hot bath for muscle recovery combines complete heat therapy with hydrotherapy, which can increase relaxation thanks to the buoyancy of the water.

A hot bath allows for a full-body release as all your muscles are thoroughly warmed and relaxed. The warm water loosens spasms and releases tension from surrounding muscles that may have been compensating for your injury. If your tub features water jets, you can even massage multiple areas of your body to soothe any stubborn aches.

2. Improve Blood Circulation for More Supple Muscles

A warm bath encourages the circulation of blood around your body. The increased blood flow provides your muscles with more oxygen and nutrients. This improves the elasticity of the connective tissues, releases muscles tightness, and relieves pain. Not surprisingly, bathing is an excellent way to combat muscle soreness from poor circulation.

Provided your aches are not a result of an injury, you can also try some light stretches in a hot bath for muscle recovery. Because your muscles are more supple and relaxed, you can safely train your flexibility and soothe your muscles. What’s more, the buoyancy of the bath can make some movements easier.

3. Easily Customize Your Bath for Different Needs

Unlike many pain-relief treatments, a bath is a versatile therapy session. As well as taking a hot bath for sore muscles, you can design your bath time around your specific needs and mood.

For example, if your muscle soreness is caused by injury or rheumatoid arthritis, you can add sea salt, lavender oil, or chamomile oil to the water.  These natural products can reduce inflammation to ease your muscle pain. On the other hand, if your muscle soreness comes from stress and tension, you can try adding rose oil to your hot bath for muscle recovery. Having a wide range of bathing options makes your experience more varied and enjoyable.

4. Experience Muscle Recovery in Just 15 Minutes

A hot bath can be a long and luxurious activity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get results from a shorter soak each day. In fact, a hot bath for muscle recovery needn’t last more than 15 to 20 minutes. After that, the bath water will start to cool and become less effective for muscle relaxation.

You may be tempted to run a hotter bath so you can enjoy the warm water for longer, but do not exceed 105 degrees. A bath that is too hot can prevent relaxation and dehydrate you very quickly, which can make muscle soreness worse. Make sure you feel comfortable in the water and keep a glass of water by the tub.

Soothe Your Muscles With a Safe Bathing Experience

Regularly taking hot baths for sore muscles can help soothe your aches and pains. With 44 strategically located air and water jets, our walk-in tubs ensure a safe, relaxing, and accessible hydrotherapy experience you can enjoy every day. To find out if a walk-in tub is right for you, contact us and we will help you.

 

Written by American Standard on March 15, 2019; updated November 24, 2019

According to the CDC, an estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries were treated in the U.S in 2008, making the bathroom one of the most dangerous areas in the home. Continue reading “Why You Need an Outward Opening Door on Your Walk-In Tub”