Most people are quick to recognize that hot tubs are relaxing and a nice addition to a home, but did you know that they have health benefits too?  The Winters here in Ontario can be harsh, especially if you have joint conditions like arthritis.  Medical practitioners have investigated the effects of hot water on the body for decades and they have found some interesting results.

Aches and Pains

Almost one-third of adults have some form of arthritis never mind the number of people who suffer from stiff muscles and headaches. Hydrotherapy is especially helpful to those with joint pain as body weight is lifted by 90 percent because of the water’s buoyancy. The Arthritis Society states that there over 100 kinds of arthritis, but the most common involves joint pain. Programs use hot water therapy as it “improves joint mobility, muscle strength and general health and fitness”.

Those who have to endure headaches, particularly sinus headaches, often find that the hot tub can help too. The warm, moist air helps to open up the nasal passages and allows more oxygen into the body. People with serious chronic pain as experienced in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can also alleviate pain in just a quarter of an hour a day.

Stress Relief and Sleep

It’s hard to stay stressed out when you sit in a hot tub for 15 minutes. The heat, massaging bubbles and buoyancy of the water are great for washing away the stresses of the day. In 2011, 23.6% of Canadian adults reported that most of their days were “extremely of quite a bit stressful, an increase from the previous year. There is no reason to believe that this up trend has abated either. From a therapy standpoint, sitting in a hot tub works wonders as it raises the body temperature and lowers your blood pressure. When you get out, your body temperature drops, making you feel sleepy and relaxed – the perfect state before bed. Studies show that just 15 minutes in a 103 degree tub is enough to induce sleep.

Blood Pressure

In the past, many people were warned about using the hot tub if they had hypertension (high blood pressure) however a 2003 study done at the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Reduction Unit of the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon has laid that myth to rest. The study concluded that “spending 10 minutes in a hot tub should be safe for most treated hypertensive patients” and their reactions were little different from non-hypertensive subjects. Heat from hot tubs actually causes blood vessels to open up, which decreases blood pressure.

Blood pressure is constantly changing to maintain homeostasis (internal balance) within the body. Since temperature change can disrupt homeostasis, blood pressure adjusts to maintain body heat. Consequently, blood pressure will rise when temperatures drop and drop when temperatures rise.

Type 2 Diabetes Improvements

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that those who spent 30 minutes per day in a hot tub had a 13% decrease in blood sugar levels, lost weight and slept more soundly. Patients with diabetes should remember that this study was done with medical supervision. As blood sugar is an issue, those with Type 2 diabetes should show extra care after sitting in the hot tub. When the session is complete it is important to get out slowly to avoid dizziness.

As you can see, the health benefits of a hot tub are broad and surprising. Hot water therapy is both safe and affordable and suitable for any age provided it is handled responsibly. If you need relief without medication, a hot tub may be the answer.

International Pool and Spa carries a full line of hot tubs and wellness spas that will fit any budget.  We have locations across Ontario and can help you find the hot tub that’ll be perfect for your backyard.