Even though hot tubs have become synonymous with many people’s idea of luxury and relaxation, it is important to remember that originally, hot tubs were intended to be used for hydrotherapy. This is a form of medical treatment during which, water is used to treat pain and some musculoskeletal disorders. So, in this post, we take a look at the top 5 health benefits that owning your own hot tub will provide.
1. Relief from Arthritis
There are two types of arthritis. Firstly, Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is an autoimmune condition, where a person’s own immune system attacks their joints, and this can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Secondly, Osteoarthritis. This is the much more frequently seen type of arthritis. It is caused by the cartilage between joints wearing away, which then causes pain as the bones move against each other. The symptoms of both types of arthritis can be eased by a regular session in a hot tub.
2. Help with Lower Back Pain
As anyone who has had to live with lower back pain will already know, there is almost no relief from the pain outside of medication or sleep. This is because no matter how we sit or lay, there is no position where the back is not providing some amount of support. However, when you immerse yourself in a hot tub, the buoyancy of your body will ease the weight load that the back has to support. This helps to ease or even stop the lower back pain for a time.
3. Fibromyalgia Relief
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition, the symptoms of which include general lethargy, body fatigue, joint pain and unspecific tenderness of the body. The symptoms can have a significant negative effect on the life of the sufferer, lasting years or in some cases, permanently. Hydrotherapy has proven to bring relief to the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, as well as easing the severity of the condition overall.
4. Treating Sore Muscles
If you are into sports or fitness training, you are fully aware of the effects that overdoing it can have on your muscles. Carrying out everyday tasks such as going to work, or cleaning your house, suddenly becomes a painful proposition. The remedy is usually to rest the muscles until they have repaired the damage you have done to them. However, having a session in a hot tub can help to ease those sore muscles, by forcing them to relax.
5. Decreased Stress Levels
Arguably, stress is the bane of modern life. Few hard-working people live a life that is entirely stress-free. And while a session in a hot tub won’t remove the drivers of stress from your life, it will help you deal with the physical manifestations of stress. This includes tight or tense muscles, headache, inability to relax, etc.