Primary Bathroom Wellness

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”

     -- American anthropologist and educator Loren Eisley

People have long associated water with relaxation, escape, healing, tranquility, pleasure, and a host of other positive feelings and experiences. And while a sunset walk on the beach or relaxing swim can be one of life’s most simple pleasures, the science of hydrotherapy – the use of water to treat a variety of symptoms throughout your body – can have real benefits to your health as well. But, how accessible are these health benefits?

Can hydrotherapy be added to a home bathroom?

Yes, many primary bathrooms include bathtubs with therapies like whirlpool jetted water, air-injected water movement, or flowing water. The good news is you don’t have to book a stay at a medical spa, travel to exotic locations, or spend thousands of dollars on regular luxury treatments. You can enjoy the many hydrotherapy benefits in the comfort of your own home with technology built right into today’s hydrotherapy bathtubs.

Do bathtub manufacturers make system bathtubs?

Yes. Many bathtub manufacturers are equipping bathtubs with a variety of hydrotherapy options for different needs and preferences. With a vast selection of designs that offer adjustable pressure, varying quantities and placement of jets, different type of water flow and more, hydrotherapy bathtubs are becoming an increasingly popular choice among consumers who appreciate the self-care benefits as well as those who are seeking relief from symptoms of many types of conditions.

What are the health benefits of hydrotherapy?

In addition to helping ease general pain, stiffness, bruising, and muscle pain, hydrotherapy has proven effective in symptomatic relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and cerebral palsy. Many patients with burn injuries have experienced hydrotherapy benefits as well. As evidence of hydrotherapy benefits continues to grow, increasing numbers of healthcare providers are including hydrotherapy in their lists of evidence-based treatment options for some conditions and symptoms – and patients can find treatment in the comfort and convenience of their own homes.

Does hydrotherapy improve mental health?

Yes. Aside from symptom relief, hydrotherapy bathtubs can help improve quality of life in many other areas, including reducing pain through the relaxation of muscles and increase in blood flow, improving mental health by helping to lower anxiety and depression, helping to ease tension from daily stresses, acting as an aid in recovery from workouts and helping to avoid delayed-onset muscle soreness. Additionally, hydrotherapy stimulates blood circulation and releases hormones that can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, while regulating heart rate. It also helps to improve sleep through both the relaxation benefits and the gradual cooling of the body after a warm hydrotherapy session, easing the body into a natural drop in body temperature.

How do system bathtubs work?

Hydrotherapy bathtubs work as a system to provide all-over healing and rejuvenating benefits: the warmth of the water helps relieve muscle pain and increase blood circulation, which can also help with overall detoxification. Immersion in water in general provides buoyancy, which helps support weight, can also help ease pain while increasing range of movement, and takes some of the weight off joints to help tissues rebuild without additional stress. The jet systems built into hydrotherapy bathtubs by bathtub manufacturers provide stimulation of muscle tissue, relaxation, rejuvenation of tired and overworked muscles, and more. Together, it provides an all-over healing experience for the body as well as the mind.

Where do I buy a bathtub with hydrotherapy?

Plumbing showroom dealers employ consultants who help customers navigate hydrotherapy bathing options. Every year, more than $1 trillion is spent on wellness products and services - and as the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations age into retirement and beyond, those numbers will continue to grow. That means more shoppers will be seeking out the benefits of hydrotherapy bathtubs as they remodel existing bathrooms for aging in place, build new homes, or simply look to upgrade to enjoy hydrotherapy benefits at home. Showroom dealers can be a trusted resource to guide both designers and consumers through the decision process and offer a selection of quality hydrotherapy bathtubs not found in big-box retail stores.