Over 75 million Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and this number increases by almost 10 per cent a year. More millions have stiff necks, chronic headaches and joint or muscle problems. There are many causes for this, but stress is one of the primary culprits. This is especially true for those who live sedentary life styles and spend much of their lives at desks or computer screens.
All these aches and pains give rise to a multitude of remedies. Pain killers and muscle relaxants may prove helpful, but they are short term measures and sometimes addictive. The best way to eliminate these woes is through a long term exercise program. Frequently, a hot water spa can play a significant role in these programs.
Exercising in a hot water spa is also known as hydrotherapy. The concept has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. Modern spa technology, such as that employed by ThermoSpas, allows hydrotherapy to be done at home with unparalleled convenience and privacy.
A spa’s hot water can dramatically increase the therapeutic effect of exercise. The first basic element is relaxation in hot water. Next is massage to locate and loosen troublesome areas. Gentle and rhythmic exercises work the muscles, remove toxins and improve circulation. Stretching improves both flexibility and muscle tone. Finally, cool down rounds out the exercise routine.
When exercising in a spa, the body experiences a temporary increase in blood pressure as the circulatory system quickly responds to the increase in body temperature caused by the hot water. Then, blood flows to the skin surface where it increases in temperature. As this heated blood is pumped through the veins and arteries, they expand, causing blood pressure to drop. The rush of warmed blood then penetrates deeper into body tissues, bringing increased oxygen levels.
As body temperature rises, it uses more oxygen. Heart and respiration rate increase, which benefits the body by eliminating waste products and toxins.
There are many benefits of exercising in hot water. They include:
- Sedation of sensory motor neurons and relief of pain
- Stimulation of the liver to convert lactic acid
- Decreased blood pressure
- Weightlessness and reduced gravitational stress to muscles and joints
- Increased metabolism as more oxygen flows into body tissues
- Increased respiration rate
- Enhanced elimination of body waste and toxins through increased sweating
- Increased blood volume
- More blood supply to muscles
- Increased surface circulation
- A soothing environment that promotes total body relaxation
Who can benefit from hydrotherapy? Typical conditions include back pain, arthritis, neuralgia, muscle spasms and tension, sprains, strains, stiffness, bruises and high levels of stress.
Of course, some conditions do not respond to hydrotherapy. Among these are acute fever, severe cardiac complications, seizures, vascular disease, cancer and tuberculosis.
A healthcare professional should supervise hydrotherapy when an individual is pregnant or suffers from an acute injury, loss of sensation, cardiac problems, diabetes, obesity or impaired balance.
ThermoSpas swim and exercise spas offer a wide range of hydrotherapy options. Optional rowing machine attachments help you build endurance and upper body strength. These attachments are so effective that they can be used for crew training.
Jogging against the steady and adjustable current of a ThermoSpas exercise unit simulates the ideal treadmill, allowing you to jog while protecting your joints. Workout intensity can be varied by adjusting the jets.
ThermoSpas Spa Trainer helps you tone, tighten and contour to stay trim and fit. In addition, exercising in water will leave you feeling cool and comfortable throughout your entire session – plus helping prevent muscle pulls and strains. You can sculpt a superior physique in the privacy of your own home. Spa Trainers provide almost every exercise available in a gym, from aerobics to body building. In addition, they’re great for teaching children how to swim. You can help them become stronger swimmers by increasing the current flow as they progress.
