by Alan Knight
A Brief History of Hydrotherapy
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| Roman Bathhouse |
Human beings have been soaking in water for therapeutic
purposes since the days of antiquity. Some of the earliest documentation of
hydrotherapy was by the Greek physician Hippocrates. Chinese, Egyptian, Greek
and Roman civilizations all have records of the medicinal uses of hydrotherapy.
Hippocrates promoted bathing in spring water. Ancient
Rome created communal public baths. The Egyptians believed that adding aromatic
oils and flower essences would aid in healing. Practices changed and evolved, and
people continued to experience the healing benefits of hydrotherapy.
Natural Springs and Hydrotherapy
Wherever there are natural springs throughout the world,
there are people who go to them to soak, to be healed by them, and just to
relax in them. Some of the most famous places to “take the waters” in Europe
are:
Tuscany, Italy, where the waters at thermal spa resorts
are replenished every four hours by a volcanic spring.
The city of Bath in Great Britain, where the healing
waters of Britain’s only thermal spring have been enjoyed by everyone from the
Saxons to the Celts. The name of the city is no coincidence. (Which goes to
prove that even back then there were marketers.)
Carlsbad, Czech Republic, a Bohemia spa town founded in
the 14th century. The mineral waters there are reputed to have external and
internal healing properties. Visitors can drink from the springs at several of
the town’s historic colonnade complexes.
Florida’s Springs
 |
| DeLeon Springs |
One of the most famous springs of them all is The Fountain
of Youth, which is just south of Jacksonville in St. Augustine. Ponce DeLeon
and his crew travelled a long way to find it. There’s no swimming, but tourists
can drink a bit of water from it.
Visitors can swim in De Leon Springs, which is about 60
miles south of St. Augustine. It’s estimated that Native Americans used those
springs going back as many as 6,000 years. Late in the 19th century,
De Leon Springs became a winter resort that attracted wealthy northerners.
Yet another popular resort was built around Wakullah
Springs south of Tallahassee by financier Edward Ball. The Lodge at Wakullah Springs is still in
operation and visitors continue to flock to it to swim and soak in the springs.
There are many other lesser known springs in Florida,
including Blue Springs near Daytona, Ginnie Springs near Gainesville, Salt
Springs and Silver Glen Springs south of Palatka, and many others. Floridians
and visitors from other states continue to soak in them.
Closer to Jacksonville, the city of Green Cover Springs
was a popular resort in the 19th century. These days, no swimming is
allowed in the actual spring. However, water from the spring directly supplies and
flows through a nearby municipal swimming pool.
Modern Hydrotherapy
Most people know that it is important to drink enough
water. However, they may not realize that water applied externally can also
treat illness or injury and promote health. This is a holistic type of therapy.
Water is naturally soothing, making hydrotherapy an excellent choice for anyone
interested in a treatment to help relieve stress. Hot water relaxes the
muscles, stimulates the immune system, and causes blood vessels to dilate.
Bathers often experience greater invigoration and more
fulfilling periods of relaxation. Modern hydrotherapy is the treatment of
injury and illness through the use of hot and cold water. Hydrotherapy can help
rid the body of toxins that may cause joint pain and inflammation. It can help
in relaxing muscles and it relieves pressure on joints and bones.
Hydrotherapy has become a popular home health treatment, especially
among injured people and the elderly. Many walk-in bathtubs feature therapeutic
massage jets. Some manufacturers offer dual systems, incorporating both air and
water jets. Hydrotherapy has commonly been used to alleviate pain associated
with arthritis, blood circulation, fibromyalgia, and other infirmities. Water
jets are designed to move water vigorously, while air jets represent a gentler
form of hydrotherapy.
Depending on your objectives, the water temperature can
be adjusted. The gentle pressure of circulating water can enhance the bathing
experience. External hydrotherapy is a simple and effective treatment that can be
enjoyed in the comfort of your home with a walk-in bathtub. A walk-in bathtub
with hydrotherapy can promote ongoing health and wellness. External
hydrotherapy can ease stress, relax muscles, and relieve pressure on joints and
bones.
Walk-in Bathtubs by Tub King
Tub King offers a completely therapeutic bathing
experience that anyone can enjoy. If you find it challenging to get in and out
of a traditional tub, a walk-in tub or safety shower could be the answer for you. You'll experience the
healing effects of water on joints and muscles. Our walk-in bath tubs are safe
to get into and out of. They drain quickly, have easy to use controls and low
maintenance requirements.
In business since 1993, our team has the knowledge and
expertise to do the job right every time. All of our walk-in bath tubs come
with hydrotherapy jets (hot air bubbles). An upgrade to Whirlpool jets is also
available. Your invigorating experience in our walk-in tubs will relieve stress
and inflammation, ease muscle strains, cramps, back and neck pain. You can
finally enjoy a soothing bath again!
The Seaspray 051
The “SeaSpray 051” is the perfect walk-in tub for smaller
spaces. No remodeling is needed to bring through doorways! This Safety
Walk-in Bathtub was designed to fit into your existing tub
space. The “Cascade Model” walk-in bath tub can easily be brought through
any bathroom doorway without remodeling or widening the door frame. It is
designed to fits in area that have space constraints.
The Seaspray 051 holds 40 gallons of water. The patented
lock system on the entry door has a water tight seal with a lifetime warranty
and the entry door has an easy to use lever bar. This model is made of extra
thick fiberglass sealed in gel coat and is designed to last a lifetime. The
molded seat is 17 inches high to eliminate back strain when sitting and
standing, while also providing back support and comfort.
The built-in grab bar for balancing and slip-resistant
seat and surfaces prevent falls and the beautiful faucet set comes with a hand
held shower. The hydrotherapy system features 18 air jets to provide
therapeutic bubbles for easing pains and treating injuries.
The Seaspray 202
The SeaSpray 202 Walk in Tub is roomy and
popular. The “Seaspray” 202 model is Tub King’s tallest
walk-in tub that provides easy access with a choice of entry door on the left
or right. The Seaspray 202 is
specifically designed for tall people or those who weigh over 300 pounds.
Tub King has many great reviews and guarantees the lowest
prices. Call today to arrange a consultation with a bathtub professional from
Tub King.
In this article, I've discussed the benefits of hydrotherapy, some of the history of hydro-therapy, the natural springs of Florida, and walk-in
bathtubs. If you’ve found this article helpful in
any way, please post a comment and pass the article along to others.
Would you like to receive a free copy of our new ebook -
Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs &
Safety Suite Showers? Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for
free! It is also for sale and you can see/buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this
link.
Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.
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