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There's a reason the combination of heat and water feels so good-it's called hydrotherapy and refers to the therapeutic use of water, through steam, hot or cold water. Doctors, sports clinics and holistic-minded people alike recommend hydrotherapy to treat a wide range of ailments, including migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, joint disorders and depression.
Use your spa as a way to not only relieve stress but also soothe aches and pains.
How does hydrotherapy work?
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), heat therapy increases blood flow, pain tolerance, and flexibility, and then hydrotherapy makes joint movement easier by relaxing the muscles and relieving pain.
As the jets of a hot tub pump air into the water, they massage sore muscles and add buoyancy to take the pressure off of injured areas. Some people find that a short soak is enough to relieve stress. Others use it to treat discomfort caused by cold or wet weather.
"We find that people who have arthritis, and tightness of muscles benefit the most from [hydrotherapy]," says Carla Bashaw, owner of Genesis Day Spa in Ogunquit, Maine. "It helps to increase joint mobility and helps people to stretch and lengthen muscles without injury."
But you don't need to be recovering from an injury to reap the benefits of hydrotherapy. It can also be used to help you relax. "The effects of water are very calming and help people to sleep more peacefully," she says.
Getting the best outcome
To address a specific problem, the affected area should be fully submerged in water. So if you hold tension in the mid-back area, you may have to maneuver yourself so that the jets in your spa are targeting that area.
Sometimes movement helps the healing process. The Arthritis Foundation recommends gentle stretching exercises-like tai chi and yoga-in a hot tub or swimming pool to help improve flexibility and protect the joints.
Consider these key factors to maximize the hydrotherapy experience:
1. Safety- The water temperature in a hot tub shouldn't be set above 104 degrees, and you should soak for no more than 15 minutes at a time in order to avoid dehydration. If you have suffered an accident or other injury, be sure to consult with a doctor to be sure hydrotherapy is safe for you.
2. Comfort- There's nothing more frustrating than getting the spa of your dreams, only to find it isn't the right size-after all, hydrotherapy is about relaxation, and if you're uncomfortable or feel restricted it's less likely to be effective. Before purchasing a spa, step inside to make sure the contours match your body and that you can relax comfortably.
Are you looking for variety? Some hot tubs are designed with a different massage setup for each seating station so that different jet arrangements work different muscle groups in your body.
3. Jets- These days, higher end hot tubs come equipped with dozens of jet patterns, all of which have different effects. Some people prefer an invigorating, powerful massage, while others seek something milder. Someone with back problems might look for something with jets designed to move water up and down the spine.
The choice is highly personal, which is why Dale Port, president of Mirage Spa & Recreation, Inc., in St. Louis, Mo., urges buyers to "wet test" products-bring their suits and climb in some of the spas that are filled with water at the store. In general, "Some high-pressure, low-volume jets can pierce against skin and be very irritating," he says.
4. Controls- "What you want to be able to do is control the jets," Port says. In fact, some hot tub lines are billed as "hydrotherapy" spas because their jets are designed to work specific muscle groups, as well as the controls they offer. That way, you can gauge the jet pressure to match your needs.
"When you introduce air into the mix, you get a deeper tissue massage," says Dale.
5. Alternate hot and cold- Sprains, joint pain and muscle injuries may heal faster if you alternate with cold treatments. "It could be a cold shower, a [dip in] a cool pool or an ice pack on the area," says Bashaw. "By closing and opening the blood vessels, you're increasing circulation and decreasing inflammation." As always, before doing any treatments, consult your doctor first.
Even a well-balanced lifestyle has occasional aches and pains-use your own spa as a quick, relaxing way to treat them in your own back yard.
Article taken from Aquamagazine.com by permission.
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