Hydrotherapy, or the immersion of the body in warm water to maintain health and prevent disease, may be as old as mankind. Through the centuries, ancient Jewish texts and written records of the Roman, Greek and Japanese cultures provide evidence that the use of baths and other water sources bring relief from pain and disease.

European physicians have long prescribed warm water therapy in the treatment of various conditions, supported by the results of many clinical trials. Certainly, professional athletes and their trainers know how important water therapy is to boost their performance and to speed up recovery after an injury. The US medical community is cooperating with top medical institutions, such as the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, by incorporating separate departments dedicated to the use of hydrotherapy.

Keri Currutt, certified therapeutic recreational specialist and aqua therapy director at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation, agrees that there is an increasing trend toward hydrotherapy. “Warm water pools provide an affirming and inviting low-impact environment for strength-building exercises for many patients,” she proclaims.

Doreen M. Stiskal, Ph.D., assistant chair of the graduate program in Health Sciences at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, which educates physical therapists and sports athletic trainers, had this to say when asked about the difference between clinical warm water therapy versus the therapy possible in home hot tubs. “Most therapeutic water exercise and rehabilitation facilities use pools having a water temperature between 90 and 98 degrees.This contrasts to a typical lap or cardiovascular aquatic exercise pool, which has a temperature of 84 degrees or below, and that of a home hot tub, which can be set as high as 104 degrees.” Given this distinction, one could assume that by dropping the temperature of the hot tub by a few degrees, users may extend and multiply the benefits of rehab therapy right in the comfort of their own backyards.

Bountiful Health Benefits

Balance and coordination problems are common in people who have had a stroke, suffer from traumatic head or spinal cord injury or have congenital deformities, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. Stiskal explains that to these people, taking initial steps in their recovery or health maintenance program “on land” may be difficult or frightening. Currutt adds that in 24 POOL & SPA LIVING NOVEMBER 2004 water, particularly in warm water, this fear is replaced by confidence and freedom. Additionally, warm water enables bathers of all ages to tolerate therapy for extended periods of time.

“Due to the buoyancy of water, aquatic exercise is a great low weight-bearing activity,” Currutt continues. Those recovering from orthopedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements, and even some obese people, can get the exercise they need for muscle conditioning and strengthening without placing undue stress on their joints.

According to a spokesperson at the Arthritis Foundation, one of three Americans suffers from arthritis or chronic joint pain. Nearly half of these cases are osteoarthritis, which is associated with aging. Individuals with arthritis and those with other types of chronic pain, like fibromyalgia, ruptured discs, etc., must maintain flexibility to perform daily tasks. Warm water therapy relieves stress on the joints, improves the blood flow to the affected areas, relieves pain and minimizes physical limitations. Increased strength and flexibility are particularly important as people age and become more susceptible to injury.

Stiskal also points out that exposure to heated water increases blood flow throughout the body.This is critical for those with circulatory problems (cardio-pulmonary issues, certain types of diabetes, varicose veins and swollen ankles).Warm water causes blood vessels to dilate, allowing more blood and oxygen to flow to muscles and skin. Furthermore, the hydrostatic pressure exerted on the body by waist-high warm water approaches the pressure in the venous system. Notes Stiskal: “Within thirty minutes of exposure, the pressure ‘pushes’ water out of the spaces between tissues and back into the vascular system for elimination by the body.”

According to a recent Gallup poll, 9 in ten Americans suffer from regular pain.Whether one is a professional athlete or a “weekend warrior,” exercisers notice muscle stiffness occurring 24 to 48 hours after a bout of high activity.“Muscles are going through a repair process called delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS,” says Stiskal. “This is when a soak in a hot tub sounds so appealing and is prescribed professionally,” offers Greg Kempf, a Cleveland, OH, chiropractor. Kempf goes on to say that increased blood circulation caused by the warm water of the hot tub combines with the massaging action of hot tub jets to push toxins (lactic acid) effectively out of the sore area and bring new blood into the injured muscular tissue.This reduces pain and helps the muscles recover faster.

The National Sleep Foundation suggests that soaking in hot water, such as a hot tub or bath, before bed can ease the transition into a deeper sleep. Having a hot tub in their backyards would be just the ticket for the 70-million Americans who do not get enough sleep.

Daniel Buysse, M.D., of the University of Pittsburgh School of Healthy Sleeping Medicine, is editorial consultant for a number of webcasts on sleep. One identifies pain as the nemesis of getting a good night’s sleep. If pain is decreased, anxiety levels lower, bringing about a more restful sleep (which is essential for pain management). And since sleep problems are now linked to mental health problems, like depression and anxiety, by treating sleep problems, folks notice that their state-of-mind also improves.

It is clearly evident that the healthcare industry believes in the power of the healing waters of regular hot tub use. It is good for whatever ails you!