Hydrotherapy is the ages-old use of water as a body treatment. One of the benefits of hydrotherapy is that it relieves pain and promotes relaxation. However, people can sometimes mistake a spa for a hot tub and thus apply them incorrectly.
Below, we shine a light on what these two varying water therapy treatments entail so that you can make an informed hydrotherapy decision.
Hot Tub
A hot tub is an acrylic vessel that contains hot water. Hot tubs are sometimes referred to as spas, as they can be used for relaxation or pleasure. Some hot tubs have jets or bubblers that introduce pressurized streams of water for therapeutic purposes. Others do not have any special features.
Hot tubs are typically large, as they are intended to be used by lots of people. They are normally installed above ground in an outdoor setting, usually on patios or in backyards.
Spa
“Spa” is a general term used to describe heated water treatment. A spa’s hot water treatment usually contains minerals, like natural hot springs, that are used as healing baths and other body treatments.
Spa resorts are popular around the globe, especially in Europe and Japan. The use of minerals in water for therapeutic purposes dates back to prehistoric times.
A spa can be installed as an in-ground standalone acrylic vessel brimming with hot water or as part of an in-ground swimming pool.
Benefits of a Heated Spa
1. Stress Relief
One of the most notable benefits of spas is their potential to alleviate bodily tension. Stress is caused by an increase in the level of a stress hormone. Soaking in a hot spa triggers the release of endorphins and a host of other neurological feel-good hormones that reduce stress hormones. This brings relaxation to the body.
The stress-relief effect of a spa can be enhanced by low light, aromatherapy, or soft music that has a soothing effect.
2. Muscle Relaxation
Some spas come with hot tub jets that can be an effective way to relax tense muscles. Tight muscles relax when they come in contact with the streams/jets of water from tub jets.
This is one of the reasons why hot spas are popular among athletes. They help to reduce the risk of injury and aid in recovery.
3. Better Cardiovascular System
Soaking in a hot tub can lower your blood pressure and improve your cardiovascular health.
Based on a study, hot water immersion can have a tremendous positive impact on the functioning of the blood vessels and heart. The study further stated that hot water helps with cardiovascular diseases and boosts health, especially for those with a limited ability to exercise.
For individuals with high blood pressure, hot water immersion is a safe treatment. Immersion in a hot tub for up to 10 minutes helps lower blood pressure and improve one’s cardiovascular condition.
4. Improved Sleep
The reduced blood pressure and calming effect brought about by immersion in a hot tub are enough to make one sleep better. This is an effective treatment for people with insomnia.
A soak in hot water lowers the body temperature and signals the body that it is time to sleep. Therefore, the dip in body temperature helps you sleep better.
5. Pain Relief
Immersion in a hot tub treats various body pains ranging from arthritis to tense joints and muscles. If you have arthritis, a hot water soak will help minimize the inflammation and stiffness that cause pain.
Water is known to support the body, take the weight off joints, and help improve flexibility and range of motion.
In a Nutshell
Heated spas offer many health benefits such as muscle relaxation, pain relief, reduced insomnia, an improved cardiovascular system, and many others. You might want to avoid hot tubs if you have urinary tract infections, skin injuries, or low blood pressure.
Consult with your doctor to determine if hydrotherapy is safe for you. Your doctor can diagnose any health conditions that will prevent you from soaking in hot water.
In every spa, hot tub, or heating solution, usually, a heater heats the water. Solarmate Digiheat Inline heaters are a robust, versatile, and easy-to-use way to heat your spa water to your desired temperature.
They are corrosion-resistant, have waterproof housings, and offer various heating capacities, making them an invaluable investment for your hot water system.