Professional athletes all over the world use hot tubs for the healing benefits that they provide, but why is that? It’s true that hot tubs can help relax sore muscles and can help you de-stress after a big game, but are there any other benefits for athletes that use a hot tub regularly? It turns out, there are!
Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to unwind and relax; most people who regularly soak in a hot tub will tell you that it improves their happiness and overall quality of life, and there are also some sweet social benefits that come along with hot tub ownership.
Considering all of the benefits, it’s no surprise that so many sports doctors recommend hydrotherapy for the athletes on their teams, but how does hydrotherapy actually work? And is it safe for everyone?
This article will go over how hydrotherapy works, why athletes should use hot tubs, and most importantly, we will look at the many benefits that you can enjoy by taking the time to rest and relax your muscles with hydrotherapy in a hot tub.
How Hot Tub Hydrotherapy Works
The idea behind hydrotherapy is fairly simple and straightforward. When you soak in a hot tub, the hot water causes your muscles to relax, releasing tension and easing stiffness and inflammation in sore joints. Most people benefit from using a hot time on occasion, but it is especially important for athletes.
How Often Should an Athlete Use a Hot Tub?
Everyone is different, and so It really depends on you and your health condition. If your musculature is strong and you are in great physical condition, then a daily 15-minute soak may be just the thing you need to keep your body feeling great, alleviate aches and pains, and relax your mind.
On the other hand, if you have pre-existing conditions or other health complications, then you may want to enjoy the hot tub less frequently, maybe once or twice a week, or possibly only once a month. When in doubt, you should always consult your doctor before using a hot tub, especially if you have any underlying conditions that can be adversely affected by hydrotherapy.
What Benefits Can a Hot Tub Offer?
There are a number of benefits that athletes can enjoy when they incorporate a hydrotherapy treatment into their regular health regimen. Let’s take a closer look at some of the very best benefits that most people will enjoy when they first start using a hot tub so that you can decide if hydrotherapy is right for you.
1. Less Tension in Your Body
Hot water has a calming effect on your body and can cause stiff muscles to relax and untangle. This is especially helpful for athletes who often rely on their muscles for their sport. When your muscles are stiff and tense, there is an elevated risk of injury, and so by practicing regular hydrotherapy sessions, you can decrease the likelihood that you will be injured due to muscle problems, which is vitally important.
Headaches are also caused by tension, but the increased blood flow that occurs during hydrotherapy might make headaches worse, so when in doubt, speak with your doctor before using a hot tub, especially if you suffer from regular headaches or migraines.
That said, many people claim that hydrotherapy alleviates their headaches by relaxing them completely, so it may be a case-by-case basis but err on the side of caution.
2. Relief for Body Aches and Pains
Another benefit of soaking in a hot tub is that it is a fantastic way to relieve the aches and pains in your body, especially when your joints are stiff and sore following an intense bout of physical activity. If your back is sore or your legs feel extra stiff following a game, match, or event, then consider soaking for 10-15 minutes in a hot tub for immediate relief.
You should try to avoid soaking in a hot tub for too long, though, after a few sessions, you will learn the right amount of time for your hydrotherapy sessions.
In most cases, hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way to ease the symptoms caused by muscle stiffness and soreness, but again, always consult your doctor or a licensed medical professional if you aren’t sure whether you are a good candidate for hydrotherapy and regular hot tub sessions.
3. Increased Blood Flow Circulation
Hot water causes your blood flow to increase, which can be a very good thing for some people. When your blood is circulating properly, it helps all your vital systems and organs function optimally, which is great for overall health, and especially your cardiovascular health.
Some people, such as those who have heart conditions or high blood pressure, should generally avoid using hot tubs, at least until the underlying issue is resolved and they are cleared to start using a hot tub by a licensed medical professional.
This is because the increased blood flow can cause complications with some of these health conditions.
4. You’ll Have Much Less Stress and Anxiety
If you ask most people what the number one benefit of using a hot tub is, they will tell you that it’s one of the best ways to relax and unwind after a stressful day: and there’s some truth to this.
Hot tubs feel fantastic; soaking in the hot water can bring about feelings of happiness, contentment, and extreme relaxation. In fact, there are very few things better than a hot tub for helping you reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
Those who have narcolepsy or other conditions that cause them to fall asleep sporadically should also avoid using hot tubs, unless in the presence of other family members or friends, just in case they fall asleep during the hydrotherapy session.
If you have a sleeping condition, then be sure to speak with your doctor before using a hot tub, and always make sure that you let somebody else know when you are going for a soak.
5. Improved Quality of Life
In addition to decreasing stress and anxiety, hydrotherapy in a hot tub can also help promote overall feelings of health and happiness. After soaking in a hot tub, most people report that they feel more peaceful throughout the following days, which, when used routinely, can make a huge impact on your overall quality of life.
Athletes face more scrutiny and pressure to perform compared with most other people, so hydrotherapy is often recommended for those who compete at a high level or otherwise are under a lot of pressure from one source or another.
6. Social Benefits
As we have seen, athletes enjoy a ton of great health and wellness benefits when using a hot tub for regular hydrotherapy treatment, but there is also another benefit that comes with hot tub ownership; enhanced social functions.
People love hot tubs, and when your friends and family members find out that you’ve got a new hot tub, they will surely be happy to receive an invitation to come over for a soak.
This can be a great way to bond with teammates, deepen your connection with friends, and hey – soaking in a hot tub can also be great for your love life. Considering all of the health and other benefits that hot tub users enjoy, it’s no surprise that so many athletes love and swear by hydrotherapy as a way to elevate their mood, relieve aches and pains, and spend quality time with the people that you care about.
Always Consult a Doctor Before Use
Regardless of your physical or mental condition, you should always consult a trusted medical professional before using a hot tub or undergoing hydrotherapy.
This is because certain conditions are contraindicated and can flare up or become worse due to the increased blood flow circulation that happens when you soak in hot water.
In most cases, your doctor will tell you to go right ahead and use the hot tub all you want, but some people should never use a hot tub, so if you suspect that you may not be a good candidate for hydrotherapy, then just play it safe and speak with your doctor beforehand.
Hot Tubs Can Benefit Athletes
For most people, soaking in a hot tub is one of the simple pleasures of life. Relaxing in hot water while your muscles are massaged by the water jets feels great and bestows a number of valuable benefits on athletes and those who use them regularly.
Regular hydrotherapy can alleviate tension, soothe aches and pains, improve blood flow and circulation, lower stress levels, enhance mental wellbeing, and improve overall happiness and quality of life, but always make sure that you consult a doctor prior to using a hot tub, or commencing a regular hydrotherapy routine.
If you’re looking for a new hot tub, then be sure to check out Pool Tech in Salisbury, Maryland. Your local premier choice for backyard leisure, Pool Tech, specializes in pools and hot tubs for athletes.