Do you feel relaxed after soaking in a hot tub? Perhaps you’ve started seeing results after joining social media’s ice bath trend.
One should never underestimate the healing power of hydrotherapy on the body. If you’re an athlete, especially, water therapy can be particularly beneficial for alleviating aches and pains.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a naturopathic technique using water to aid various bodily symptoms. It can be as straightforward as enjoying a candlelit bubble bath at home or submerging yourself in a tank with pressurized jets and hot or cold water.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t recognize it as a regulated care option, numerous applications and studies have proved its capacity to complement standard pain management and stress-related treatments. Nevertheless, you should be mindful of the potential effects of hydrotherapy.
For instance, sitting in an ice bath for too long or using water-circulating cold therapy devices could cause frostbite and numbness, prompting dire medical attention. You might also suffer burns from hot water.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Athletes
Fitness enthusiasts often turn to hydrotherapy before and after physical activity. They frequently report the following advantages of this alternative approach to physical health and recovery.
- Accelerated Healing From Injury
Although land-based therapy programs help you regain strength after injury or an operation, studies show warm water speeds up recuperation rates by reducing pain, swelling and muscle spasms.
An outpatient rehabilitation centre might utilize warm water hydrotherapy. Usually, people requiring two or more therapeutic disciplines will see a rehab physician to address more severe conditions.
- Muscle Relaxation
After a rigorous workout, you could use some muscle relaxation. Cold water immersion and circulated flow help relieve muscle aches by reducing lactic acid buildup, which causes poor functioning from overactivity. As a result, you should experience less spasming.
- Relief From Inflammation and Joint Pain
Hydrotherapy can help those experiencing inflammation and joint pain. The water supports your body’s weight, removing pressure to alleviate discomfort and improve motion.
In one study, participants over 60 had significantly less swelling and joint pain in their backs after soaking in a natural hot spring.
The water’s mineral content and temperature increase the positive effects through body absorption.
- Improved Circulation and Cardiovascular Health
Cold water causes the narrowing and widening of blood vessels, which boosts circulation. This process is crucial for athletic individuals, as circulation increases oxygen and nutrient flow, removes toxins from tissues, and balances the body’s internal temperature.
- Stress Relief
Training for a marathon or other fitness competition can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, you can use hydrotherapy to get yourself in the right headspace.
Water immersion reverses the effects of a stimulated sympathetic nervous system and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, generating relaxation.
Overall, medical professionals find it valuable for people with anxiety and depression.
Treat Your Body Kindly With Hydrotherapy
You know how important it is to care for your body and mind. Hydrotherapy offers an alternative approach to relieving muscle and joint soreness after working out. It can also produce a more positive outlook during stressful situations.