Spa Benefits

Hydro therapy or "water therapy" is the treatment of disease through the use of water. Hydrothermal therapy is the use of water temperature, such as in hot tubs or spas. The focus of hydrotherapy is to rid the body of toxins that may be causing joint pain and inflammation. Hydro therapy treatments are also helpful in managing chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteo arthritis.

Brief History of Hydrotherapy

The benefits of hydro therapy have been recognized for thousands of years. Hydrotherapy is especially popular in Europe where there are numerous health spas and health facilities for all types of "water cures".

Many European spas were built in majestic surroundings with panoramic views of lakes and mountains in the 18th and 19th centuries. These retreats were staffed by medical practitioners who prescribed and monitored the treatments. European techniques and spa treatments have evolved over centuries achieving a high level of sophistication.

For treating many common ailments, water healing is one of the oldest, safest and cheapest methods. From personal experience we know water makes us feel better and is not just for cleansing. After a strenuous day, you know you'll feel much better after soaking in a hot tub of water. The hot water relieves fatigue and prevents stiffness. 

How Does Hydrotherapy Work?

The healing and recuperative properties of hydro therapy are due to it's thermal and mechanical effects. It employs the body's reaction to hot and cold stimuli. From the skin the nerves carry impulses deeper into the body. This is instrumental in lessening pain sensitivity, invigorating blood flow and circulation, increasing the production of stress hormones and stimulating the immune system.

Hydrotherapy's more conventional uses are the treatment of muscle weakness, balance disorders, diabetes and other diseases that impair circulation, cramps, pre menstrual syndrome, arthritis, back pain, musculo-skeletal injuries and soft tissue injuries.

In a two week pilot study, fourteen patients with ankylosing spondylitus (AS) were treated using hot water mineral baths. A significant improvement was found in finger to floor distance, morning stiffness and over all well-being was noted in the patients by physicians. A significant reduction in the use of analgesics was also noted. These improvements began after one week of treatment and were still present after three months.

Heat has the tendency to quiet and soothe the body while slowing down the activity of internal organs. A soak in a hot tub will help when experiencing tense muscles and anxiety from stress. One experiences weightlessness when being submerged in water. The body is given a break from the constant pull of gravity. Water in motion stimulates touch receptors on the skin releasing tight muscles and boosting blood circulation. The water knead the body providing a massage like feeling. 

Using Hydrotherapy for the Lower Back

Lower back pain is the number 2 reason in the U.S. that people visit the doctor after colds and the flu. Millions of people suffer needlessly from lower back pain.

A study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology provided evidence that hot tub therapy has short and long term benefits for people with lower back pain in 1995.

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