A hot tub may seem like simply a luxury, a way to retreat from the rigors of the world. Those benefits shouldn't be minimized. Beyond just basic relaxation, hot tubs can serve as a basis for healing. Used in both hydrotherapy and thermotherapy, hot tubs promote healing for sports injuries, general muscle tension and even arthritis.

Muscle Tension

The most obvious benefit of a hot tub is to relieve sore muscles. This isn't just a luxury. Over time, the body reduces blood flow to the affected area, which decreases oxygen and increases the buildup of biochemical waste products in the muscle. This is the source of the pain, and it usually doesn't go away by itself. Thermotherapy applies heat to the area, increasing the blood flow and relieving the tension. This is why hot tubs are so soothing at the end of a stressful day.

Sore Muscles

Sore muscles occur after a period of exercise. Typically the soreness doesn't set in until later. According to Web MD, delayed onset muscle soreness is the result of microscopic tears in the muscle resulting from contractions during exercise. Not only does the hot water in a spa increase the blood flow, it also promotes the production of white blood cells. Both of these help in the healing process of delayed onset muscle soreness.

Sports Injuries

Applying heat after a sports injury can be a little tricky. In the initial phase of healing, the body actually needs cold to reduce the inflammation. This is called cryotherapy. However, hydrotherapy in a pool near or just below body temperature is one physical therapy method for athletes. The weightlessness of water allows them to exercise the injured body part without putting stress on the area. A spa can be useful in this phase if the temperature is lowered. After the inflammation has gone down, thermotherapy aids in the healing similarly to how it works with delayed onset muscle soreness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hot tub therapy is often overlooked in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the benefits of applying heat to the affected areas is well known. Many sufferers enjoy immersing their hands in a paraffin bath or even warming up their clothes before putting them on. However, a soak in a hot tub relieves muscle tension and stimulates blood circulation. This helps reduce the morning stiffness associated with arthritis.

For more information, contact Ole's Pool & Spa or a similar company.