Hydrotherapy, Hot Tubs, And Spas
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy or "water therapy" is the treatment of
health problem through the use of water. The focus of hydrotherapy is
to rid the body of toxins that maybe causing joint pain and
inflammation.
History of Hydrotherapy
The benefits of hydrotherapy have been recognized for
thousands of years and are especially popular in Europe where there are
numerous health spas and health facilities for all types of
hydrotherapy treatments. European techniques and spa treatment have
evolved over centuries achieving a high level of sophistication.
How Does Hydrotherapy Work?
The benefits of hydrotherapy are due to its thermal
and mechanical effects, which employ the body's reaction to hot and
cold stimuli, Nerves at the surface of the skin carry impulses deep
into the body. This process seems to be instrumental in lessening pain
sensitivity, invigoration blood flow and circulation, increasing the
stress hormones and stimulating the immune system.
Hydrotherapy's more conventional uses are the
treatment of musculo weakness, balance disorders, diabetes and other
diseases that impair circulation, cramps, premesntrual syndrome,
arthritis, back pain, muscular-skeletal and soft tissue injuries.
Heat has the tendency to quiet and soothe the body
while slowing down the activity of internal organs. A soak in a hot tub
is said to help when experiencing tense muscles and anxiety from
stress. Water in motion stimulates touch receptors on the skin
releasing tight muscle and boosting blood circulation. The circulation
water of a hot tub or spa provides a massage like feeling.
Using Hydrotherapy for the Lower Back
In the United States, lower back pain is the second most common reason that millions of people visit the doctor.
A sturdy published in the British Journal of
Rheumatology in 1995 provided ev idence that Hydrotherapy has short and
long term benefits for people with lower back pain.
In a forty person study at the University of
Minnesota 85% of the participants chose a whirlpool bath over a still
bath. Both were effective in reducing anxiety, but only the whirlpool
bath was effective at reducing the participant's reactivity to stress.
Researchers in France published a later study in the
Journal of Rheumatology confirming the University of Minnesota results.
After three weeks of consistent spa therapy, examinations showed a
marked improvement in health status (measured in back flexibility and
pain duration and intensity) of the spa treatment group over the
medication-only group. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs and
analgesics also decreased in the spa treatment group. Source March,
April 1996 issue of Arthritis Today.
Treating Arthritis With Hydrotherapy
The joints have the tendency to swell and stiffen
with heavy to moderate exertion as we get older. The use of heat is
recommended for many people suffering from arthritis and hydrotherapy
is a great way to distribute and deliver heart to many parts of the
body. The buoyancy of water reduces body weight by approximately
85-90% and provides a relaxing feeling of weightlessness. Many doctor
advise people with sore joints to soak in warm water in the morning
before starting their daily activities.
Alternating cold and hot baths stimulates circulation
and seems to be beneficial for treating the hands and feet, which is
beneficial for arthritic joints and aching feet. The application of
heat also eases muscle tension, is soothing and relieves pain.
Hydrotherapy Treatment for Insomnia
According to the National Sleep Foundation it
is estimated that over 132 million people in the United States suffer
from some type of sleep disorder.
Rosalind Cartright, the director of Sleep Disorders
Service and Research Center suggested that soaking in a hot tub could
reset the body thermostat, so people would wake up more rested.
Soaking in a hot tub seems to be is a great way to repair ravaged nerves while giving one a better night of sleep.
Hydrotherapy Benefits for Diabetes
In the September 16, 1999 issue of The New England
Journal of Medicine, it is suggested that the benefits if exercise and
the use of hydrotherapy from the use of spas had positive effects on
diabetes.
In the study, patients with Type 2 Diabetes soaked in
a spa or hot tub for 30 minutes a day for six days a week. Some of the
results were positive in which patients lost weight, showed distinct
decreases in plasma glucose levels and required reduced doses of
insulin.
Always consult with your physician about a physical therapy regimen when considering hydrotherapy for diabetes.
Hydrotherapy Risks
People with impaired temperature sensation run the risk of scalding at temperature extremes.
Elderly people and young children may be prone to exhaustion by too much heat and should avoid long full body hot treatments.
Consult a physician to determine whether any physical
therapy is suitable for your particular adverse health symptoms. Also
it is important to consult your physician before using spas or hot tubs
if you are pregnant or have heart disease.
