. Hot water bathing has been a tradition in many cultures since roman times. But many people don’t know that today’s hot tubs provide significant health benefits. Take a look at the latest studies that will show you how a hot tub at home can lead the way to wellness from head to toe:

1. Better sleep. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 70 million Americans suffer from mild to chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders. A recent study in the scientific journal Sleep showed that soaking in a hot tub prior to bedtime can help insomniacs achieve a deeper, more relaxing sleep. Taking a soak in 102 degree water 2-3 hours before bedtime will relax you and re-set your body thermostat making it easier to both fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

2. Stress Relief. There’s no better way to stimulate the body’s natural endorphin release than soaking in a hot tub. The heat increases blood flow and the therapeutic massage works out muscle soreness. Stress is a silent killer in our overworked culture. The resulting muscle tension, headaches, soreness and fatigue which can continue over time can lead to serious health problems. Not only does a spa’s buoyancy ease pressure on joints and muscles, the mood elevation and the natural relaxation response is a priceless way to improve health.
3. Improve your game.

According to Tennis Magazine, improving your game is a cinch when you soak after playing. You’ll avoid muscle soreness the next day and your joints will thank you for the increased blood circulation which takes away lactic acid (which is what causes soreness and fatigue) built up through a rigorous game.
4. Knee pain relief. A recent study of patients who had undergone knee replacement surgery found that not only did they experience less pain, but their recovery time was faster than for non-soakers. Their range of motion improved significantly faster and they used less pain medication than did the non-soakers.
5. Banish Back Pain. Lower back pain is the number two reason in the U.S. (after colds and flu) for a visit to the doctor. The British Journal of Rheumatology published a study which demonstrated that hot tub therapy has both sort and long-term benefits for people with lower back pain. A later study in the same journal further documented the those findings. After three weeks of consistent spa therapy, examinations showed more improvement in the health status (as measured in pain duration and intensity and back flexibility) of the spa treatment group than of the medication-only group. After six months, significant improvement continued in the spa therapy group. In addition, their use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs had decreased.
6. Soothing Relief for Arthritis Pain.

Approximately 43 million people in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis pain. The good news for those who suffer from it is that there are safe and effective ways to both minimize the discomfort and prevent further damage. According to a publication from The Arthritis Foundation entitled Spas, Pools, and Arthritis, “Regular sessions in your hot tub help keep joints moving. It restores and preserves strength and flexibility, and also protects your joints from further damage. Exercise can also improve a person’s coordination, endurance, and the ability to perform daily tasks, and can lead to an enhanced sense of self-esteem and accomplishment.” “A hot tub fulfills the need perfectly . . . providing the warmth, massage, and buoyancy that is so necessary to the well-being of arthritis sufferers. The buoyancy of the water supports and lessens stress on the joints and encourages freer movement. Water exercises may even act as a resistance to help build muscle strength.”

In addition to the above benefits, check out more ways a hot tub at home can help your overall health.  more. Take advantage of the exercise guide we’ve posted on the Olympic Hot Tub Company site for a gentle way to get fit while enjoying the hot, soothing waters of a hot tub.

SANUM PER AQUA. Latin for Health through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter.

That finding was offered by Danish researchers who reviewed six studies involving about 800 patients.

In the studies, participants did aquatic exercise for different lengths of time and numbers of sessions per week. In most of the studies, patient progress was assessed after three months of therapy.

“In people with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, pain may decrease by one more point on a scale of 0 to 20 with aquatic exercise, and function may improve by three more points on a scale of 0 to 68,” the review authors wrote.

“There is gold-level evidence that for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, aquatic exercise probably reduces pain and slightly improves function over three months,” they noted. “Based on this, one may consider using aquatic exercise as the first part of a longer exercise program for osteoarthritis patients.”

The review authors weren’t able to find evidence that patients experienced any changes in walking ability or stiffness after aquatic exercise sessions. They said more research is needed to determine whether aquatic exercise offers any long-term benefits for osteoarthritis patients, and the types, duration and frequency of aquatic exercise that may be most effective.

The review is published in The Cochrane Library journal.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects about 21 million Americans, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Treatment typically involves a combination of weight control, medication, physical therapy and exercise.

For more information: The Arthritis Foundation.

Try our Olympic Hot Tub Company water workout exercises that are gentle enough for people with joint pain. These can be done easily in your Hot Spring Spa.

SANUM PER AQUA. Health Through Water.

Thanks for reading Hot Tub Bliss. We hope you went from “Ahhhh” to “A-Ha”! Be sure to ‘Like’ our Facebook Page and follow  Olympic Hot Tub Company and Hot Tub Bliss on Twitter.

The continuing cold weather made me think about how hard the cold is on arthritis sufferers.  If you suffer from arthritis, take note that the Arthritis Foundation highly recommends the healing properties of hot tubs for those with the disease.  Because people with arthritis have a very difficult time moving without pain, they tend to stop moving. By being submerged in warm water, some of the discomfort and pain is reduced. They may be able to add an exercise routine and practice with little discomfort if it’s done in a hot tub!

If you do suffer from arthritis and would like to start enjoying a hot tub exercise routine, please check with your doctor before you begin.

When your doctor has given his OK, get in the hot tub and  allow your body to warm up for several minutes before starting any exercises.  Resistance and stretching exercises are the most recommended forms for arthritis sufferers.

Take things slowly when exercising in a hot tub for three reasons:

1) One is the possibility of muscle strain if you’re not properly warmed up before starting.

2) Two is the fact that it is possible to over exert yourself by doing too much or doing it for too long. Listen to your body. If you become lightheaded or dizzy, stop.

3) The third reason to take things slowly happens after you have exercised. After you have worked your muscles, it is important to keep them warm for several minutes before getting out of the hot tub to allow your muscles to relax before hitting the cooler air.

The hot tub has the added benefit of reducing the effects of gravity while you’re in it. The buoyancy helps put less strain on weak muscles. Warm water also causes the blood vessels to dilate, which allows for more blood and oxygen to flow to muscles and skin and the heart. Finally, hot water is a mood elevator. Natural endorphins are released during your hot tub soak. This effect alone can work wonders to alleviate depression that is common among those with arthritis.

So if you are thinking about getting some exercise in a hot tub where your arthritis will be lessened, don’t forget to talk to your doctor first and follow our Olympic Hot Tub Company guidelines above in order to get maximum benefit.  A little warm water exercising can put you on the road to better health with less pain.

SANUM PER AQUA.  Latin for Health through Water.

TAX DEDUCTION FOR YOUR HOT TUB?

We all know that April 15th is tax day.  You want to pay your fair share, but why pay more than you have to, right? IRS regulations may allow a deduction for your hot tub purchase if your doctor recommends hot water therapy for a medical condition. At Olympic Hot Tub Company, we’re hearing more frequent reports that one of the reasons for purchasing a Hot Spring Spa is a medical condition for which a hot tub will provide relief. Those who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain or other medical problems may find that their aches and pains are alleviated by hot tub soaking. There are many medical conditions for which a hot tub purchase may qualify for a medical deduction including injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

A doctor’s prescription can turn your hot tub into a piece of deductible medical equipment, as long as you satisfy a few IRS conditions. Look for IRS Publication 502, which covers medical expenses. Remember to check with your own tax preparation expert for assurance that this applies to your situation.

RES EST SERVA VOLUPTAS. Pleasure is serious business.

]]> http://74.53.141.18/~madrona5/tax-deduction-for-the-hot-tub-you-purchased-last-year/feed/ 0 http://74.53.141.18/~madrona5/hot-tub-exercise-guide/ http://74.53.141.18/~madrona5/hot-tub-exercise-guide/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:32:30 +0000 Alice http://www.hottubbliss.com/?p=618 Exercising in your hot tub offers a healthy, fun way to relax and improve muscle tone at the same time. Hot tub exercises provide simple physical exertion that can promote tension release and relieve muscle tightness.  They’re particularly good if you suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia because they’re so gentle.  You can go at your own page and look for small benefits everyday. Too, the hot water eases painful joints so you get a more complete range of motion.

Take advantage of the water temperature and jet pressure in your hot tub to start your exercise program today.  Our Olympic Hot Tub Company exercise guide can help you on your way. Best of all, they’re isometric and no equipment’s required!  You could make it more challenging by buying using exercise tubing that you can pass over your shoulders or Friad Knots which are stretch ropes you can purchase with an exercise VHS tape.

Identify the part of your body that is sore and concentrate on the exercises that apply.  Or for complete relaxation, do the whole series once a day during your hot tub soak until all tightness washes away.

Here’s the  exercise guide from Olympic Hot Tub Company. Why not laminate it to make it waterproof and have it ready to use during your daily soak?.  Although all the exercises are relatively easy to do for most individuals, we recommend that you consult a physician before beginning any physical exercising or conditioning. Exercise only in mildly hot water, 100-102 degrees, and do not continue if you feel pain, dizziness, or overheated.

Begin slowly. Relax completely between exercises. Go at your own pace. Remember to enjoy yourself in your Hot Spring Spa! Breathe!

Start today!

SANUM PER AQUA-Latin for health through water.