Hydrotherapy is an option that is available with our baths, such as the Hampton Elite walk-in bath, and is recommended for people who suffer with rheumatoid or joint-related issues.
But what is hydrotherapy? And how can you make the most of having it in your bath?
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the technique of using water to treat different conditions, which can include arthritis and other joint-related conditions, as well as muscle tension.
Hydrotherapy has been around for hundreds of years and is involved in all sorts of traditional medicine practices. But how exactly does it work?
How does hydrotherapy work?
When undergoing hydrotherapy treatment, you can use either cold or warm water. Cold water is often used to stimulate and invigorate the body, increasing its internal activity.
On the opposite side, warm water is used to slow the body down. Warm water calms and soothes the body, allowing muscles to release any tension and ease joint paint.
At home, in our hydrotherapy-enabled walk-in baths, we would suggest only using warm water. However, if you were to visit a specialist hydrotherapy spa, cold water treatments may be worth exploring.
What benefits does hydrotherapy have?
The most immediate benefit of a hydrotherapy soak is the reduction of muscle tension and joint pain. By soaking in the water, your relieve tension in the limbs, helping to reduce any stress that is placed on the muscles and joints. The water also supports your aching muscles and joints, and helps ease movement.
Hydrotherapy also has some longer term benefits, including the ability to boost the function of the immune system. By increasing the flow of the blood around the body, thanks in part to the warm water, your white blood cells can move around quicker. This helps strengthen the immune system, keeping you free from colds and illnesses.
But hydrotherapy has more than just physical benefits. Hydrotherapy can also help mental fatigue too, and is well known to be good at relieving stress. This is because hydrotherapy helps to reduce blood pressure, and may also slow down the body’s reaction to anxiety.
How can I change it up?
Warm water has the obvious effect of being relaxing and soothing, especially when the temperature ranges between 37C° and 38°C. Try a 20 min dip with water between these temperatures to help your muscles relax and your skin to soften.
But raising the temperature can also be beneficial, even by a couple of degrees. Raising the water to be between 39°C and 40°C can have a deeply relaxing and sedative effect. Be careful not to stay in the bath for too long however, as this can cause exhaustion.
You should also think about adding some salts or aromatherapy oils to the bath. The addition of aromas or salts will really change the feel of the water, as well as stimulate your other senses – creating a more relaxing soak.
But it’s not just about the water itself. You should also invest in the ambience. It might sound silly, but things such as candles and bubbles can really help relax you, and make the most of your soak.
Can I get hydrotherapy spa?
Currently, only offer hydrotherapy in several of our walk-in baths, such as the the Hampton Elite. If you’re interested in finding out if the Hampton Elite is the right bath for you, why not talk to one of our team to find out?