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.

 

As you get older, taking care of your body is even more important. Stretching is a great way to alleviate tension and pain in your lower back, strengthen your core and back muscles, and maintain your agility. Let’s look at some of the best lower-back stretches based on yoga poses to include in a daily routine. As always, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, and stop a stretch if you ever feel uncomfortable.

 

1.Child’s Pose

Level: Easy

Child’s pose is a classic yoga pose that helps release tension in your lower back, and it also stretches your shoulders and upper back. To get into child’s pose:

• Grab a yoga mat and get on all fours.
• Sit your hips back, leaving your arms outstretched in front of you.
• Get as close as you can to having your rear touch your feet. Your back should round and you should feel the muscles in your lower back release.

Watch how to do child’s pose here.

Modifications for Child’s Pose:

If getting into the full child’s pose is difficult for you, try the following modifications:

• If you can’t get your hips to touch your heels, either because of injury or mobility issues, instead stretch your arms forward. You can also widen your knees (a little wider than hip distance), make sure your heels are still together, and send your hips back this way. This will help you get your hips a little further down.
• If you find your neck straining in child’s pose, try putting a yoga block down and rest your head on it. That way, your head will be elevated and you won’t be forced to push it into the ground.
• Lastly, if you don’t want to stretch your arms forward due to shoulder issues, you can always bend your arms parallel to your shoulders and rest your head on your hands.

 

2. Cobra Pose

Level: Medium

Starting with gentle spine flexion & extension in the Cobra pose will allow you to move to deeper bends with time.  Since daily life rarely requires you to move like this, backbends are essential for spinal health and longevity.

• From a front laying position with your nose to the mat;
• With hips staying on the floor, press down lightly with your hands, and lift your head and chest, rolling your shoulders back and down;
• keeping your shoulders away from your ears, arch your back gently, adjusting the intensity of your stretch by straightening or bending your elbows.

 

3. Downward Facing Dog

Level: Medium

Downward Dog is a position that helps to stretch your hamstrings and shoulder muscles between back extension poses.

• From the upward facing dog position, release the upward position and lower your shoulders towards the mat;
• Curl your toes under towards your body to position on the floor;
• Keep both toes pointed towards the front of your mat, and sink your heels towards the floor;
• Lift your buttocks upwards towards the ceiling while pushing your arms straight. Your ears should be in line with your arms, and you should be in an inverted V position.

Keep your weight mostly in your legs and reach your hips high.

Modifications for Downward Dog Pose:

Soften your knees if you have tight hamstrings, but keep feet parallel. Be careful to move gently and slowly to prevent dizziness.

 

4. Bridge

Level: Medium to Hard

Bridge Pose is a gentle way to extend your spine.  It improves the mobility of your spine, and counters the effects of too much sitting.

• Lay flat on the floor with your knees bent;
• Try to position your heels as close to your buttocks as possible;
• Arms will be at your sides, with palms facing down;
• Tuck your pelvis towards your belly-button to engage your core;
• Gently lift your buttocks towards the ceiling in your bridge position until only your shoulders are on the mat;
• Hold for 10 seconds, and slowly reverse the directions until your spine is flat on the floor; repeat.

Remember to root into the feet, which helps your leg muscles to support the pose.

 

 

5. Seated Twist

Level: Medium

Gently twisting from one side to the other helps stretch your back and core. This stretch is best done while sitting up straight on the floor, or in a hard-backed chair. Simply:

• Sit up straight in your chair.
• Put both arms straight over your head, then take them both down to your left side. You can grab the back of the chair for a deeper stretch, or just twist as far as is comfortable.
• Repeat on the other side by putting your arms straight up and bringing them down on your right side.
• When twisting, look to the side that your arms are on. This will help stretch your neck, as well.

Watch how to do a back twist in a chair here.

 

Modifications for Back Twists:

If you can’t twist your body very far, that’s okay! An easy modification is to just twist as far as you are comfortable. Some people may be able to twist so far that they can look behind them, and some may only be able to twist as far as putting their hand on their hip. No matter where you are, only twist as far as you feel comfortable. Spine twists are very beneficial when done correctly, but care should be taken on this sensitive area.

 

6. Cat-Cow Yoga Pose

Level: Easy

Cat and cow are complementary yoga poses that arch your back and then let it drop. Cat-Cow may be the most important yoga pose that you learn, especially if you have back pain.  Here is how to do cat-cow pose on the floor:

• Grab a yoga mat and get on all fours.
• Gently tuck your tailbone and arch your back away from you, drawing in your core and pressing your spine to the sky. This is cat pose.
• Then, tilt your pelvis back, drop your spine and arch your back into a reverse C shape, and look up to the ceiling. Push your hips up to really feel the stretch and increase the curvature of your spine. This is cow pose.
• Alternate between the two to get the full range of movement, inhaling for cow pose, and exhaling for cat pose.
• Cat pose pushes your spine to the ceiling, while cow pose arches your back and releases lower-back muscle tension.

Watch how to do cat-cow here.

Modifications for Cat-Cow:

For a simple modification, try doing the cat-cow pose in a chair rather than on the floor. This modification is great if you have shoulder issues. To do this move in a chair, simply rest your hands on the bottom of the chair, and look up to the ceiling and arch your back (cat), then look down at the floor and curve your back (cow).

 

7. Lying Spinal Twist

Level: Hard

This stretch is similar to the back twist, but it is done on the floor and uses the weight of your legs to deepen the stretch. How to do a lying knee twist:

• Lay flat on the ground facing up with your arms spread to the side in a T shape.
• Bend your right knee and let it gently fall to your left side. Keep your left leg straight.
• Repeat by bending your left knee and letting it gently fall to your right side. Keep your right leg straight.

Watch how to do a lying knee twist here. To deepen the stretch, you can also bend both legs at the same time and move from from side to side, like shown in this video.

Modifications for Spine Twist:

We rated the lying spine twist as a hard level because it twists your back with the whole weight of your legs. While not a direct modification, a similar stretch is the Beauty Queen. Simply sit on the ground, bend one leg and cross it over the other, and look in the opposite direction. This stretch is easy to modify for your own flexibility and mobility because you can adjust your leg (drawing it closer in is harder) and twist only as far as you need. This is still a more advanced stretch, but it’s a good alternative if you don’t want to do the lying knee twist on the ground.

 

8. Seated Forward Bend

Level: Medium to Hard

This pose offers a stretch to the entire back of the body. Hamstrings tend to get short and tight in people who sit a lot, which can contribute to lower back pain.  Seated with your legs straight in front of you.

• Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears as you bend from the hips, not your waist;
• keep your neck aligned with your spine.

 

 

9. Happy Baby Pose

Level: Easy

The happy baby pose is a great way to finish your stretching session.  The deeper you draw your feet toward you, the more you stretch your pelvis, relieving back pressure.

• keeping your sacrum flat on the mat, pull your feet up so that your shins are perpendicular to the floor;
• using your hands, grip the arches of your feet and gently draw them towards your armpits;
• hold this pose for 30 seconds or longer to release tension and tightness.

 

Take Your Stretching Further

Once you feel comfortable with your lower-back stretches, you can take them up a notch by stretching in the bath. Warm baths have been loved for their therapeutic properties for centuries because of the water’s buoyancy and relaxing properties. Usually the cause of lower back pain is muscle-based (unless you have a specific injury or ailment), and warm water relaxes your muscles so you can deepen your stretches. Try some gentle stretching, such as the back twist described above, in your walk-in tub for a full-body release. Your lower back will thank you!

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

Taking a bath is good for you and your heart.  In fact, a new study shows that taking at least five hot baths a week with a temperature of 90ºF-104ºF lasting on average 12.4 minutes can improve cardiovascular health for seniors.

Hot water immersion & hydrotherapy can significantly strengthen the cardiovascular system and help with heart health by improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and could be a useful lifestyle intervention to preserve cardiovascular function.

 

Hot baths use a method called passive heat and may provide many health benefits including better blood sugar management, relief from musculoskeletal pain, and improve mood and mental health.

However, a 2021 study found that also complementing hot water immersion with hydrotherapy, similar to being in a hot tub or spa therapy, was more effective than physiotherapy at improving pain, stiffness, and muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty.

 

SCIENCE-BACKED BENEFITS

Improved circulation: Hot water immersion increases blood circulation.

Lower blood pressure: The heat from a hot bath dilates blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure.

Stress reduction: spa therapy can help reduce stress levels.

Improved sleep: spa therapy can help you relax physically and mentally, which can improve your sleep quality.

Cardiovascular workout: The increased heart rate from a hot hydrotherapy bath can provide a low-impact cardiovascular workout.

“Stretching and moving in the water also provides a low-impact workout for discomfort in muscles, joints and bones.”

 

While hot tub therapy is extremely beneficial for your health and wellness, you might find gaining access to an outdoor hot tub difficult especially in the winter months, along with chemical treatment and the maintenance required onerous.

 

SOLUTION:  If you are an older adult aging in place, you are now planning for a fall-free future, and you are looking for products that are easy to use with little to no maintenance required.

 

ComfortSeries™ by American Standard provides a personal hot tub therapy experience, but it’s both a bathtub and a shower.  ComfortSeries™ addresses your concern for accessibility and ease of use.  It provides everything you need in a bathroom to provide the ultimate therapy benefits that you are looking for; but read on to see how these additional benefits support your health and wellness.

 

 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Muscle relaxation:  the hot water and massaging action of the tub jets can effectively relax and soothe tight and tense muscles, helping to ease aches and pains.  A tub soak before exercising may also reduce the risk of injury.

“Stress causes the muscles of the body to contract.  A hot bath can relieve those symptoms and keep the muscles loose.” -Dr. Mark Khorsandi, migraine surgeon

 

Pain Relief:  soaking in a ComfortSeries™ tub may relieve some types of pain by relaxing tense muscles, joints and tendons.  If you have arthritis, the heat and massaging action of a ComfortSeries™ tub may help ease the stiffness and inflammation that cause pain.

Water supports your body and takes weight off joints, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion.

 

Improved Insulin Sensitivity: A study from 2019 and another from 2022 suggests that regular thermal therapy using hot baths or saunas may improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar management in a population with marked insulin resistance.  This could mean that using a ComfortSeries™ tub may also be beneficial for managing diabetes.

“Your skin releases endorphins in response to the soothing warm water the same way that endorphins are released when you feel the sun on your skin.  Submerging ourselves in hot water can be both therapeutic and reinvigorating because blood flow increases to the skin.”-Dr. Bobby Buka

 

Improvement in Mood & Mental Health:  A 2021 study comparing results of people who took submersion baths versus those who took showers found that routine immersion bathing appeared more beneficial to mental and physical health than routine shower bathing without immersion.  With added Chromatherapy as a supportive therapy technique, you can restore health imbalances through coloured LED light.  Studies have found that people with rheumatoid arthritis require fewer pain medications when they use Aromatherapy.

 

 

Tips to Improve Your ComfortSeries™ Hydrotherapy Session:

 

Bath Water Temp:  make sure that your bath water is not hotter than 104°F (40°C);

Drink Water:  drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated; before, during & after your bath;

Timing:  a ComfortSeries™ bathing session will auto end after 20 minutes.  You can restart your jets, however if you feel dizzy, lightheaded or have nausea, stop and cool off before resuming;

Maintenance:  a ComfortSeries™ bathtub has a Self-Cleaning Ozone Sanitation System which substitutes the need for harsh hot tub chemicals.  Being healthier and more beneficial for you, you will need to keep your bathtub wiped clean, and deep-cleaned once per month (see your Owner’s Guide) to ensure optimal Health Benefits.

 

**People with certain heart conditions such as heart disease, angina, or arrhythmia, should always consult a doctor before using hot tub hydrotherapy.

 

 

Now you know why a bath is far more beneficial than a shower.  Are you considering making a change to update your shower or your current bathtub?

 

American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada provides installation service so that you have peace of mind:

• that the product selected is for your specific needs;
• that all installation & Code requirements are met and exceeded;
• that an operations review is completed with you;
• that you receive a quality 150 year name-branded ComfortSeries™ hydrotherapy tub by American Standard;
• that you receive a Lifetime Warranty including labour costs on your ComfortSeries™ hydrotherapy tub.

 

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.