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Health & Hydrotherapy FAQ | Lifestyles Hot Tubs

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Health & Hydrotherapy FAQ

  • What is Hydrotherapy?

    Hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years.The Greeks and Romans treated an array of conditions with it. Putting together three of nature’s most powerful relieving agents: heat, water and air, it invigorates and gently massages the body while easing away aches and pains. It’s a natural therapy, safely used by hospitals, physiotherapists and health spas around the world. Consult with your physician to see if it can benefit you. There are several forms of hydrotherapy, and a hot tub at your home or cottage is one of the most popular forms.
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    Three basic factors comprise this aquatic therapy: heat, buoyancy, and massage:
    – Immersion in hot water raises the body temperature and causes the blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased circulation.
    – The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight by approximately 85-90%, relieving pressure on joints and muscles, while creating the relaxing sensation of floating in space.
    – The massaging action of a spa is created by sending a mixture of water and air through hot tub jet nozzles. This energized warm-water stream relaxes tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

  • What Typically Happens During Hydrotherapy?

    After 5 minutes – your blood pressure and pulse rates may begin to drop.
    After 8 minutes – your circulation improves in your hands and feet making them feel warmer.
    After 12 minutes – your muscles relax, becoming more receptive to passive exercise. Tissues become more pliable and responsive to stretching, encouraging the release of lactic acid and other toxins from your system.
    At 15 minutes – your minor aches and pains will often experience a temporary decrease in severity.

  • How long should you stay in your hot tub?

    There is no recommended time limit for bathing in your hot tub, however, it is best to keep yourself hydrated whilst you are in the spa and drink plenty of water. You should also take care to maintain your sanitizer level, which will deplete over a few hours of bathing. Most common soaks are fifteen to thirty minutes. When the water temperature is maintained at 102 degrees or below, most people will not feel overheated. Never stay in a spa if you feel dizzy and overheated. If someone complains of these conditions help them to carefully get out, sit down and cool off.

  • Are hot tubs good for your skin?

    Water is good for your skin, but hot water over a long period will cause your skin to dry out. It is important to maintain the correct pH and Sanitizer balance so as not to cause skin irritation. I would always suggest that a good moisturiser is used all over after using your hot tub.

  • Is it harmful to take a baby in to a hot tub?

    Hot tubs and babies do not generally mix, however having said that if you keep the temperature down so the Hot tub is only warm and you limit the amount of time baby is in the spa then it is not any different to baby having a bath.

  • Can I drink alcohol while using a hot tub?

    Use extreme caution when using a spa and consuming alcohol. Your body dehydrates faster in the water making it difficult to gauge the effect of the alcohol. Alcohol effect is greatly intensified when the body temperature is increased, and is therefore considered dangerous. We suggest staying out of hot tubs when there is a significant amount of alcohol in your system.

  • Can you go into a hot tub if you have a pacemaker or heart issues?

    Owners need to avoid strenuous activity and high temperatures. hot tubs are not normally recommended for people with heart problems.  However speak to your doctor to get a professional determination.

  • Can hot tubs cause headaches?

    It is most important to drink plenty of water if you are in your hot tub for a long time at high temperatures. If you do not keep hydrated, then you could give yourself a headache which may lead to faintness or dizziness if you aren’t careful.