One of the best reasons to purchase a hot tub is to experience to the numerous health-enhancing benefits of hydrotherapy. But what is it exactly, and how does it work?
When shopping for hot tubs and spas, you’ll hear manufacturers use terms like:
- Hydrotherapy
- Water therapy
- Hydromassage
- Hydropathy
- And so on
From the term alone, you’ve probably guessed it has something to do with water (hydro) and its therapeutic properties. But without context, you may not realize just how beneficial hydrotherapy can be.
Hydrotherapy is NOT simply a marketing buzzword created by hot tub manufacturers. It’s a proven, research-validated treatment for relieving physical pain and stress.
What to know
When it comes to hot tubs, there are three essential components to hydrotherapy:
- Hot water
- Buoyancy
- Massage (provided by the jets)
When the water in a hot tub is at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit, it helps to raise your body temperature and increase blood circulation.
The water adds buoyancy. When you soak at neck-level, your body weight is reduced by up to 90 percent! This significantly eases pressure on muscles and joints, while also giving you the relaxing feeling of weightlessness.
4 ways your body benefits
You can benefit from hydrotherapy whether you suffer from joint and muscle pain or not. Soaking in hot water has been an effective form of therapy for thousands of years.
Here’s what it does:
- Eases tension on joints and muscles
- Provides all-over support for sore or tired limbs (great for the end of a work day, or when you wake up feeling stiff in the morning)
- Decreases swelling and inflammation
- Increases oxygen and circulation in blood cells
- Alleviates discomfort
Additionally, if your hot tub has jets positioned in the right place, your muscles will benefit even further from the massaging sensation.
How it feels
It’s no secret … hydrotherapy makes you feel better.
You’ll notice the effects on your muscles and joints, and also on your mind. Soaking in hot water is proven to reduce stress. It helps to clear your mind and put you at ease. It’s not purely psychological either. The physical benefits—improved oxygen intake, blood circulation, looser muscles—all play direct roles in relieving your stress.
What to look for
Some hot tubs are designed more for hydromassage than others. It all has to do with how many jets it has and where they’re placed.
Select models from Jacuzzi, for example, have a feature called TargetPro, which lets you personalize the massage type by adjusting the direction and intensity of the jet stream.
Jets can be positioned in several areas, including:
- Back
- Neck
- Legs
- Hands
- Feet
Typically, the more jets, the higher the price, so keep that in mind as you compare your options.
Have questions?
Our knowledgeable staff at Crystal Pools is happy to answer your questions. Give us a call and let us help you find the perfect hot tub for your needs and budget.