As we get older there is inevitable wear and tear on our joints and muscles and increased susceptibility to certain illness. When pain and stiffness affect day to day life, mobility and mood of older adults, it can be deeply frustrating. For many ailments common in older adults, such as arthritis, poor blood circulation and low mood, regular exercise is highly recommended but difficult to achieve.
Therefore, physiotherapists across the globe, recommend regular hydrotherapy. The warmth and weightlessness offered through hydrotherapy has been shown to improve blood circulation, reduce blood pressure, improve mood, alleviate aches and pains, improve mobility and strength.
HOW DOES HYDROTHERAPY ALLEVIATE PAIN?
When it becomes more painful to move, we move less, which causes greater stiffness, lack of muscle strength and reduced flexibility. This can in turn cause additional physical ailments and affect mood, creating a downward spiral.
Hydrotherapy uses the heat of the water to help joints and muscles to move more easily, as well as increasing blood circulation and increasing the release of those feel-good endorphins. If we think of our muscles as if they were plasticine, the warmer they get the better they move. Hydrotherapy offers that warmth and the support of the water, so people with pain or reduced mobility can move and exercise more freely.
The warm, supported and moving joints increases the natural synovial fluid to further aid better joint movement. With this movement, overtime comes increased flexibility and strength. As with any exercise, the results are better the more regular the exercise.
REGULAR EXERCISE IS RECOMMENDED FOR IMPROVING ARTHRITIS AND USING A HOT TUB OR SWIM SPA DAILY PROVIDES THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR NON-WEIGHT-BEARING DAILY EXERCISE.
Dr Esther Fox, chartered Physiotherapist, suggests that a daily dose of hydrotherapy would be optimal in offering symptomatic relief and improving joint movement from ailments such as arthritis. Regular exercise is recommended for improving arthritis and using a hot tub or swim spa daily provides the perfect opportunity for non-weight-bearing exercise.
For effective hydrotherapy it is recommended that the water be over 35%, and whilst hydrotherapy pools offer a good solution for more occasional bathing, a home hot tub or swim spa can off daily relief and opportunity for greater and faster improvement in strength and symptoms.
HOW DOES HYDROTHERAPY REJUVENATE AGING OR INJURED MUSCLES
Once our body is immersed in warm or hot water, our body temperature will then rise and increase the blood circulatory flow. When blood circulation improves, it will then heal damaged tissues and rejuvenate injured muscles.
HYDROTHERAPY BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEMS, REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE, STRESS AND ANXIETY
Warm water increases the blood flow and allows white blood cells to circulate throughout our body. It also helps the immune system fluid called lymph to move through the different parts of the body. This type of fluid is responsible for eliminating unwanted waste and toxins in your body and will help it to fight off various illnesses such as the cold and flu.
Hydrotherapy exercises is also believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, as it helps in reducing blood pressure and general relaxation.
For more information, you may want to watch Dr Fox, Chartered Physiotherapist, talk about why she recommends Hydrotherapy for Arthritis and other joint complaints.
Click here to watch Dr. Fox
For more information or to discuss a home spa space designed just for you, get in touch with the TAKE Wellness team. Call 01242382848
*If you have health concerns, please check with a doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to soak in a hot tub, particularly for those with heart conditions or breathing problems.