Written by on July 18, 2017
Have you ever taken a long soak in a hot bath at the end of the day? If so, you may already understand how water can be used to treat physical symptoms and ailments. This is the basis of hydrotherapy. It helps ease sore muscles and alleviate pain, while also providing restorative and relaxation benefits.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in treatment for conditions such as arthritis or partial paralysis. With hydrotherapy, water can be incorporated in one of three ways: steam, like what’s used in a sauna; ice packs; or hot tubs or whirlpools. But how does it work, exactly? First, it’s important to understand the effects of water temperature. Cool water constricts blood vessels to help with inflammation, while hot water dilates blood vessels, which helps to reduce stiffness. In many hydrotherapy sessions, the user will alternate between a cool and hot water tub to help improve circulation and boost hormonal function.
Hydrotherapy Isn’t Just for Athletes
Many athletes turn to hydrotherapy to help loosen up tight muscles or ease pain after a grueling workout, game, or race. But it’s not only the pros that benefit from this type of care.
Aging doesn’t have to mean inactivity, and it’s important for seniors to continue with regular exercise. As the days grow longer, you may spend more time outdoors and become increasingly active. Neighborhood walks, gardening, and tai chi are all good outdoor activities for low-impact exercise to help stay healthy and fit. However, even a few hours of extra activity can cause sore muscles or unexpected aches. This is when to take advantage of the therapeutic benefits that come from a walk-in tub.
Hydrotherapy is also commonly incorporated into physical therapy treatment plans. According to Nurse.com, caregivers believe the warm temperature of water mixed with the buoyancy helps their patients make better progress in their physical therapy. Hydrotherapy is often used on its own, but sometimes will be used to complement other types of therapies, depending on a person’s treatment plan. Some of the common ailments that hydrotherapy can be used for include:
- Arthritis;
- Fibromyalgia;
- Headaches;
- Joint pain;
- Poor circulation;
- Sciatica; and more.
Hydrotherapy at Home
If you own a walk-in tub, you have direct access to the powers of hydrotherapy right in your own home, whenever you may need rehabilitation or self-care. Moreover, with our walk-in tubs you can customize your bathing experience however you’d like.
Our Revitajet® Whole Body Hydrotherapy System is made up of 44 strategically placed water and air jets to help you concentrate on the areas that need it most. You can direct the flow on your lower back, legs, or anywhere that’s feeling extra sore or tense. Or, you can choose to have all of them running at once for a full, whirlpool-type experience.
The healing powers of water are heightened when implemented through hydrotherapy, and this is just one of the benefits and features of our walk-in tubs. It’s an investment that will continue to benefit your health, safety, and well-being!