A tiring day of work, exercise, golfing, hiking or walking for hours can make muscles sore and difficult to relax.
For many people, the hot tub is the solution.
What does a hot tub really offer?
The answer can be found in the combination of three simple factors – warm water, buoyancy and moving water from strategically placed jets. This is what people usually call hot tub hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is not meant to diagnose or treat an injury or disease. However, a warm-water soak can create a comfortable environment for relaxation, movement and muscle recovery.
At Sunset Spas, many customers begin their hot tub search looking for a place to relax, rather than just another backyard accessory.
What really happens when you enter the warm water and activate the jets?
What is Hydrotherapy in Hot Tubs?
Hydrotherapy is simply the use of water for relaxation, comfort, movement or physical wellbeing.
In a hot tub, hydrotherapy involves:
- warm water
- water pressure from massage jets
- buoyancy
- adjustable seating positions
- movement and stretching
Each component adds to the experience.
Warm water creates a comfortable environment. Buoyancy takes up part of your body weight. Finally, massage jets send water in specific directions – at your back, shoulders, legs, feet and neck.
The result is a unique relaxation method which is hard to reproduce at home without a hot tub.
Benefits of Warm Water on Muscle Relaxation
Take a moment to think about how warm water feels when you shower at the end of the day.
Your body starts relaxing right away.
Warm water has the same effect in a hot tub. However, you are constantly surrounded by warm water.
This can relieve tension in muscles and make movement more comfortable.
While you support your body weight on your feet or in a regular chair, in a hot tub you relax in water.
This combination is especially pleasant after physical activities.
For example, a gardener, construction worker, athlete, hiker, cyclist or a person who spends all day sitting at a desk may feel great in a hot tub after work.
The aim is not to treat a sore muscle.
It is to create a relaxing environment.
Benefits of Buoyancy of Your Body
One of the most underrated components of hydrotherapy is buoyancy.
Water takes up your body weight.
The deeper you sit in the hot tub, the lighter you feel because of this water.
The result is a different feeling when sitting and making movements compared to on land.
This is the reason why water-based exercises and aquatic therapy are widely used in rehabilitation centers.
Although a hot tub in your backyard is not a clinical tool, the physics of water is the same.
You do not have to bear your full body weight while in the water.
What Do Hot Tub Massage Jets Do?
Massage jets are more than bubbles.
A high-quality hot tub directs water towards different parts of your body.
Depending on the model, massage jets may focus on your:
- lower back
- upper back
- shoulders
- neck
- calves
- thighs
- feet
Some jets create a wide flow of water. Some deliver a narrow stream of water.
Also, you may be able to control the intensity of massage.
This is important because not everyone wants to feel the same pressure of the massage.
After exercise, you may prefer a strong massage at your back or legs. On another occasion, you may simply want gentle water flow while relaxing.
That is why the position of massage jets may be more important than the overall number of jets.
How Many Jets Does Not Matter in Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
Many hot tub buyers measure the quality of models by the number of jets.
This figure is useful, but it does not tell the entire story.
Compare two models:
- Model #1 has more jets, but some of them do not align well with your body.
- Model #2 has fewer jets, but they perfectly hit your shoulders, lower back and feet.
Which model will provide you with a better hydrotherapy experience?
Model #2.
That is why Sunset Spas always encourages our customers to pay close attention to the seating position and jet placement.
The best hot tub is not necessarily the one with the biggest number of jets.
It is the one that feels great to you.
Why Multiple Seats Matter
Premium hot tubs often have multiple seating options.
One may be a deep seat. One may be a position with jets hitting your lower back. One may be a lounge seat with jets for your calves and feet.
The change of seats can also change the hydrotherapy experience.
For example, you may relax in a deep back-therapy seat first, and then move to another seat focusing on your shoulders.
Such a feature may be helpful if multiple people use the hot tub.
You may prefer a totally different seat from your spouse.
Can a Hot Tub Provide Recovery after Physical Activity?
Some people use warm water because it feels great after exercising.
After exercise, muscles may be tight, tired and even sore.
In this case, a hot tub soak gives you time to relax while warm water and buoyancy make the movement more comfortable.
However, recovery is a personal process.
Hot tub does not replace proper hydration, nutrition, rest, stretching, rehabilitation or medical treatment if needed.
Hot tub may simply become a part of your recovery routine.
For some people, it means a soak after playing golf. For others, it is after hiking, exercising, cycling, gardening or a physically demanding job.
Hydrotherapy May Benefit Anyone Who Feels Stressed
You do not have to be an athlete to feel sore muscles.
Physical activities of everyday life make your muscles tired.
You may spend eight hours at a computer. Or spend the whole day on your feet at work. You may spend the weekend doing household chores. And even a long drive can leave your back and legs sore.
That is why hydrotherapy attracts a lot of hot tub owners.
You do not have to have a special recovery program.
Sometimes you just need a comfortable place to relax.
Hot Tubs May Encourage Gentle Movement
It is not necessary to sit still in a hot tub.
Water can be a comfortable place for gentle movement.
You may move your ankles, bend your knees, roll your shoulders, change positions or gently stretch.
The keyword here is gentle.
Hot tub is a place to relax, not to put your muscles under unnecessary strain.
If an injury or a medical condition limits your movement abilities, consult your physician.
Warm Water May Help You Relax Psychologically Too
Tension in muscles is often accompanied by tension in the mind.
After a long day at work, your shoulders may be tight, but your mind continues working.
A hot tub provides an opportunity for a natural break.
You get away from your desk, phones, TV and other distracting objects.
And then you soak in warm water while the jets work.
Such an approach may turn a boring day into a small relaxation session.
For many hot tub owners, this routine becomes as important as the physical hydrotherapy.
How Long Should You Soak?
There is no ideal soak time for everyone.
Your comfort, water temperature, health, weather and personal tolerance may affect the duration of your soak.
Follow recommendations provided with your hot tub and avoid being in very warm water for too long.
Do not forget to hydrate yourself.
Pregnant women, people who take certain medications, suffer from cardiovascular diseases or have other health problems should discuss the hot tub usage with their physicians.
Hydrotherapy should be comfortable and relaxing.
If you feel dizzy, overheated or unwell, leave the hot tub.
What Should You Look for in a Hydrotherapy Hot Tub?
If hydrotherapy is one of your priorities when buying a spa, do not make your decision based only on the appearance.
Pay attention to:
- the position of massage jets
- adjustable massage intensity
- the depth of seats
- lounge seats
- foot jets
- back and shoulder jets
- pump performance
- water controls
- comfort for your height and body size
But most importantly, compare hot tubs in person.
Test various seats.
Look at the location of jets in relation to your back, shoulders, legs and feet.
A hot tub may look amazing online, but feel totally different once you sit in it.
Find the Perfect Hydrotherapy Hot Tub at Sunset Spas
Hot tub hydrotherapy is about a combination of simple components.
Warm water creates a comfortable environment. Buoyancy relieves your body from weight. Jets deliver massage in specific directions. Comfortable seating positions help to get jets exactly where you want them.
The combination of these components may provide you with a relaxing place for unwinding after exercise, work, traveling or an active day.
Sunset Spas offers an extensive selection of premium hot tubs and swim spas in various sizes and configurations.
If you want to have a comfortable place to relax with your family or friends, we can help you find the right hot tub or swim spa for your backyard.
Hydrotherapy in a hot tub may become a great addition to your healthy lifestyle.
However, if hydrotherapy matters to you, do not buy a hot tub based on the number of jets.
Buy a hot tub based on the effect of those jets.
