Health Benefits Of Hot Tubs And Physical Therapy Spas

The therapeutic effects of hot tubs and spas were actually known to our ancient forefathers (and mothers!). Of course, they didn't call them hot tubs, or have the sophisticated equipment we have these days, but hydrotherapy was practiced back then.

These days, you'll find various hydrotherapy treatments at many physical therapy and spa centers. Some incorporate massage with water by a therapist, others use powerful hot tubs for physical therapy. The latter spas are something you can replicate at home, for a surprisingly affordable investment.

In fact, a number if people who have had back accidents, or suffer from other ailments that cause pain in their muscles and joints, have found relief with hot tubs and physical therapy spas, to the point where they don't need to use as much medication to manage their pain. Some candidates for hot tubs and physical therapy spas include those muscular strains, sprains, and pulls, arthritis, sleep problems, stress, or headaches, diabetes, MS, and cerebral palsy.

Whilst I did read warnings on some websites on hydrotherapy about people with diabetes and MS using hot tubs, I found a study on diabetics referenced on one website (Thermospas.com) This study, conducted in Colorado, found the blood sugar level of the spa group dropped 13%. The spa group took a spa for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. The study designers found that the hot tub reduced blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Hot tub and physical therapy spas work three ways. First, the heat of the water is very calming on the body and its' organs. It slows them down and has a relaxing effect, which explains why it works so well on tense, contracted muscles. The buoyancy of the water has a healing effect as well. It relieves the pressure of gravity, and gives our skeletal muscles a chance to relax, as something else is doing the work of holding the body up that they normally do. Finally, the massaging effect of the jets in hot tubs and spas kneads and releases tight muscles, promotes circulation, and stimulates the nerve receptors in our skin in a very pleasant and gentle way.

The benefits of hydrotherapy for arthritis sufferers have even been recognized by the Arthritis Foundation. They actually collaborated with Thermo Spas to create "The Healing Spa", with the aim of reducing the pain suffered by those with arthritis. This is a true hot tub physical therapy spa, in every sense of the word.

Hot tubs are great for the mind also. You can let the worries of the day melt away as you soak in the warm water. Hot tubs have jets that help relax muscles and soothe tightness. If you are interested in hot tub use, the first thing you should do is consult your doctor. Not everyone should use a hot tub, including pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions. Your doctor can tell you whether or not spa use is safe for you. And if you have a specific medical condition and are concerned, contact the relevant association as they will probably have the most up-to-date information.

There are all kinds of hot tubs physical therapy spas on the market these days. They are priced so that the average homeowner can afford to finance them. The top brand in the U.S. for home hot tubs is Sundance. Sundance Spas offer a wide range of acrylic portable hot tub choices that can seat anywhere from two to six people. Their spas offer great features like contouring for ultimate comfort, lots of jets, drink holders, colored LED lights and so much more. You can learn more about these tubs at your local pool and spa retailer. Other brands include Viking and Thermo Spas, both quality spa manufacturers.