Get the Heart Healthy Benefits of a Hot Tub This Valentine’s Day

Owning a hot tub may seem like a luxury without any real benefit, but the majority of hot tub owners will agree that having their own hot tub has provided numerous advantages. If you’re on the fence about buying a hot tub for you and your family, let us explain some of these health benefits and why so many people to turn to us at Burton Pools & Spas when they begin searching for a new hot tub and/or spa.

ADVANCED HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy is nothing new. This practice have been enjoyed by many cultures throughout history. Traditionally, hydrotherapy was available through natural hot springs. But natural hot springs are not readily available to most, so travel to these locations was often required. But today commercially made hot tubs and spas are readily available, making the benefits of hydrotherapy accessible within your own backyard! Manufacturers have taken the benefits of the natural hot springs and added modern innovations that make hydrotherapy even more effective for relaxation and treatment of wide range of ailments. So, what are the health benefits that you can get from a spa or a hot tub?

STRESS RELIEVER

The relaxation provided by spas and hot tubs is the most widely known benefit. Who doesn’t enjoy a warm soak to relieve the stress of modern living and escape the demands of day to day activities?  A quick dip in an inground spa can provide some much needed, therapeutic relaxation. The heat provided by spas triggers some subtle physiological mechanisms that have immediate effects. Blood vessels dilate in response to the heat, which leads to the decrease of blood pressure. Tense and tight muscles relax, aiding muscle recovery after exercise or injury and relief from soreness, stiffness and swelling. Moreover, while your body focuses on gaining heat – the Central Nervous System’s sensitivity is reduced and endorphins are released, causing temporary pain relief.

MEDICAL BENEFITS

Heat, Buoyancy and Massage are the main elements in hydrotherapy. Each of these elements contributes to the relief and treatment of a range of health issues.

• Arthritis

Based on the article, Arthritis – Spas & Warm Water Exercise published by the Arthritis Foundation, “People whose arthritis symptoms respond well to heat have discovered the many benefits of heat therapy.” The article also explains why warm water is so great for relaxing and increasing movement. “Warm water stimulates blood flow to stiff muscles and frozen joints, making a warm tub or pool an ideal place to do some gentle stretching. To ease low back pain, trap a tennis ball between the small of your back and the bottom or back of the tub, then lean into it and roll it against knotted muscles.”

• Diabetes

In 1999, there was a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) which indicated a decrease in the blood sugar levels of patients who regularly soak themselves in a hot tub 30 minutes a day, 6 days per week.

• Back Pain

Participants in a 1994 study who utilized inground spas or portable hot tubs, experienced increased back flexibility, reduced pain duration, and lessened use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs than the study group that did not utilize the inground spas. According to the British Journal of Rheumatology, 1994 – “This controlled clinical trial shows a positive short term and a more moderate long-term overall effectiveness of spa therapy in chronic lower back pain.” Of course, for anyone suffering from back pain that has used a hot tub, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Hydrotherapy has been a well-established method for easing lower back pain naturally for many years.

IMPROVED SLEEP

In addition to all these physiological benefits of hot tub or spa use, insomniacs can also expect relief. According to The National Sleep Foundation, if you spend some time in a hot tub just a few minutes before going to bed, this can lead to a more peaceful and deeper sleep. The drop in body temperature can help ease the body into a relaxing and sound sleep.