Showing posts with label Hydrotherapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hydrotherapy. Show all posts

8 Ways to Reduce Foot Pain


By Alan Knight

Foot pain is probably the most common ailments known to man.  It affects everyone, young or old, and comes from a variety of areas.  It might be the toes, the heel, the arch, the ankle, the sole, or the toe nails.  The reasons are many:  old age, wearing uncomfortable shoes, excessive walking, fractures, a mineral deficiency, ingrown toenails, diabetes and standing on your feet for long periods.

There are many old home remedies for dealing with foot pain.  Let me mention a few:

Hot and Cold Water Therapy is a popular one.  The hot water helps with blood flow while the cold treatment will reduce inflammation.  It is suggested that you fill a bucket or pan with cold and another with bearable hot water.  Sit in a comfortable chair, then dip your feet in the hot water for three minutes.  Then do the same with the cold water for up to a minute.  Repeat two or three times, ending with the cold treatment.  You can also accomplish the same results using a heat pad and ice pack.

Courtesy of  www.flickr.com
Ice therapy is a good way to reduce pain and swelling of the feet.  Put a small amount of crushed ice in a small plastic bag and use it to massage the affected area in a circular motion.  The cold temperature will temporarily numb the nerve endings in the painful area and offer some relief.  Swelling will also be reduced.  Do not use the ice pack for more than 10 minutes at a time.  Any longer might damage the skin and nerve endings.

Vinegar is used in various treatments and can help with foot pain as it reduces inflammation in conditions like sprains and strains.  It is recommended that you fill a tub with hot water, then add two tablespoons of vinegar.  Soak your feet for about 20 minutes.  You can also mix the vinegar in two containers, one with cold water and the other with hot water.  Then alternate treatment.  You can also soak a towel in each and wrap the foot.  Leave it for about 5 minutes.  You can repeat the process several times daily.

Courtesy of  www.flickr.com
Epsom salt can help soothe your feet, giving you instant relief from foot pain.  Combining heat and Epsom salt, which is primarily magnesium, works well to relax the feet and ease the pain.  Put two to three tablespoons of Epsom salt in a tub of warm water.  Soak your feet for about 10-15 minutes.  The salt can make your feet dry, so apply some moisturizer after soaking them.

Clove oil is highly effective in fungus and also foot pain as it boosts circulation.  For quick relief, gently massage your aching feet with clove oil.  This will stimulate blood flow and relax your muscles.  You can massage your feet and heels with clove oil several times a day.  If you have sensitive skin or a cut, dilute three drops of clove oil with one teaspoon of extra virgin olive or coconut oil and then massage your feet with it.

Courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
Cayenne pepper is a rich source of capsaicin, which is known to relieve muscle aches and pains, arthritis, muscle strain, lower back pain, and even aching feet.  If your feet ache when they get cold, sprinkle some cayenne pepper in your socks before putting them on.  This will keep your feet warm.  Another treatment is to add one-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to half a bucket of hot water and soak your feet in it for a few minutes.  This will have a soothing effect and give you pain relief.

We drink water (and lots of it) to hydrate our body and sustain the many systems within our body.  However, water is also good for sustaining good health when applied outside the body.  This type of therapy goes back to ancient times.  Just look at all the old mineral baths that were created by the Greeks and the Romans.  It wasn't just for socializing.

Courtesy of TubKing.com
The new Walk in Tub is an excellent option for treating sore, tired feet.  First, let me describe the design.  Most Walk in Tubs are approximately 54 inches long and 30 inches wide, while standing close to 40 inches tall.  They come with a door that has a watertight seal so that it doesn't leak.  The entry point is only 6 inches off the floor so it is easy to get in and out without the fear of falling.  The tub comes with a seat that is ergonomically designed for comfort and is ADA compliant as it stands 17 inches from the floor of the tub.  The faucet and controls are within easy reach across from the seat and the controls for hydrotherapy are normally on the side ledge of the tub just fingertips away.

The Walk in Tub has an air pump that delivers thousands bubbles into the water, creating a gentle massaging action that stimulates every inch of the body.  Most Walk in Tubs have air jet ports at all the critical areas to reach common places where pain might be present.  As the tub is filling, you can actually turn on the air jets to massage the feet before the tub actually is filled completely.  The lighter touch of the air jets is better for those who have sensitive skin or muscles.



TubKing.com Walk-in tub testimonial.

Another option is the water jets.  Again, various jet ports are located in strategic areas to reach parts of the body that typically suffer from pain.  Also, these jets are adjustable and can be set both to direction and water pressure.  You can literally sit in a tub in comfort while these jets massage your feet in warm water while you recline and relax. 

Maybe it's time you took a look at the Walk in Tub.  They are now affordable and can shipped right to your house.  Installation is usually accomplished in no more than two days, without disrupting your household.  Don't live with aching feet.  There is help available.
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Get your Free copy today.
In this article, I’ve written about the foot pain and provided more than a half dozen ways to help alleviate that pain. Specially I include many natural remedies and also discuss how the hydro therapy of a walk-in tub with air and water jets can reduce foot pain.

If you found this article useful or entertaining, please share it with your friends, family and co-workers. Or click on the Google Plus button. If you have a comment about this subject, leave it in the comment section at the end of this article.

Would you like to receive a FREE COPY of Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers, our new e-book? 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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HOW TO IMPROVE ON POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION

Simplified diagram of the human Circulatory sy...
Simplified diagram of the human Circulatory system
in anterior view. Français : Diagramme simplifié
du système circulatoire humain en vue
antérieure (en Anglais). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
By Alan Knight

Your body’s circulatory system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.  When blood flow to a specific area of the body is reduced, you may experience the symptoms of poor circulation.  Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms. Poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself, but a result of other health issues.

Several conditions can lead to poor circulation.  The most common causes include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues.  Let’s look at this further.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can lead to poor circulation in your legs.  PAD is a circulatory condition that causes narrowing of the blood vessels and arteries.  In an associated condition call atherosclerosis, arteries stiffen due to plaque buildup in the arteries and blood vessels.  Both conditions decrease blood flow to your extremities and can result in pain.

Over time, reduced blood flow in your extremities can cause numbness, tingling, nerve damage, and eventually tissue damage.  Eventually, if left untreated, reduced blood flow and plaque in your carotid arteries may result in a stroke.  If plaque buildup takes place in the arteries in your heart, you run the risk of having a heart attack.

English: The illustration shows how a varicose...
English: The illustration shows how a varicose vein forms in a leg. Figure A shows a normal vein with a working valve and normal blood flow. Figure B shows a varicose vein with a deformed valve, abnormal blood flow, and thin, stretched walls. The middle image shows where varicose veins might appear in a leg. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
PAD is most common in adults over age 50, but it can also occur in younger people.  Smokers are at a higher risk than non-smokers for acquiring PAD develop early in life.

Blood clots partially or entirely block the flow of blood.  They can develop almost anywhere in your body, but a blood clot that develops in your arms or legs can lead to circulation problems.

Blood clots can develop for a variety of reasons, and they can be dangerous.  If a blood clot in your leg breaks away, it can pass through other parts of your body including your heart and lungs.  When this happens, the results may be serious, even deadly.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins caused by incompetent venous valves.  The veins appear gnarled and engorged, and they are most often found on the back of the legs.  The damaged veins cannot move blood as efficiently as other blood vessels, so poor circulation may become a problem.  Although rare, varicose veins can also cause blood clots.

Your genes largely determine whether or not you’ll develop varicose veins.  If a relative has varicose veins, your risk is higher.

Diabetes can cause problems in many areas of your body.  Poor circulation caused by diabetes can cause leg cramping, and more specifically cramping in your calves.  This cramping may be especially bad when you’re physically active.  People with advanced diabetes may have a difficult time detecting the signs of poor circulation because diabetic neuropathy can cause reduced sensation in your extremities.
English: Overview of the most significant poss...
English: Overview of the most significant possible symptoms of diabetes. See Wikipedia:Diabetes#Signs_and_symptoms for references. Model: Mikael Häggström. To discuss image, please see Template talk:Häggström diagrams (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Diabetes can cause heart and blood vessel problems, and people with diabetes are at an increased risk for atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Obesity puts a burden on your body.  Plus, if you’re overweight, sitting or standing for hours may lead to additional circulation problems. Obesity also puts you at an increased risk for many of the other causes of poor circulation, including varicose veins and blood vessel problems.

People who experience chronically cold hands and feet may have a condition called Raynaud’s disease.  This disease causes the small arteries in your hands and toes to narrow.  Narrowed arteries are less capable of moving blood through your body, so you may begin experiencing symptoms of poor circulation.  The symptoms of Raynaud’s disease are particularly prevalent when you’re in cold temperatures or experiencing an unusual level of stress.

Let’s look at some commonsense home remedies that can help deal with poor circulation.  Make sure, first and foremost, that if you are suffering from circulatory disorders you consult your doctor.

Courtesy of  en.wikipedia.org
Exercise is the best way to promote good blood circulation.  Believe it or not, just performing mild aerobic exercises is enough to improve blood flow.    One trainer suggested:
   

  • Walk for a minimum of 30 minutes, at least 5 times a week. 
  • Enjoy swimming, jogging, biking, trekking and similar activities, a few times a week.
  • Do simple foot and hand exercises for 15 minutes daily in the morning 

You don’t have to over-exert yourself with exercise.   You shouldn’t overly stress your body if your circulation is poor.

Regular massage can help move blood through the congested areas.  A relaxing massage of the whole body helps dilate the blood vessels, which in turn facilitates blood flow.


Testimonial on the therapeutic benefits of a TubKing Walk in tub.

Hydrotherapy is another simple and effective way to improve blood circulation.  It helps dilate the blood vessels and thus promotes blood flow.  The newly introduced Walk In Tub offers a convenient and compact device with multiple hydrotherapy features.  It allows the person to walk into the tub by way of a watertight door.  They can then sit on the ADA compliant seat and fill the tub with warm water.  Most Walk in Tubs stand about 40 inches high with a seat that is 17 inches from the floor.  The person can simply recline and enjoy the benefits of soaking in warm water to help relax the body.  

Courtesy of TubKing.com
But there is more.  These tubs typically come with two systems.  Air jets send warm air into the water to create thousands of therapeutic bubbles.  This stimulates the skins and helps with circulation.  There is also a control for introducing water jets.  This feature will more vigorously massage the body and stimulate circulation.  The jets are adjustable and can direct the water to any part of the body.  Directing the jets toward the feet can work wonders.  These tubs also come safety features, such as the low entry threshold, to guard against falling, and the slip resistant floor and seat.  A convenient interior grab bar and easy-reach controls makes it a perfect safety tub.

Poor circulation is no laughing matter.  Talk to your medical professional and try the simple suggestions above for a happier and healthier life.

In this article, I have discussed how to improve poor blood circulation through various methods including exercise, various therapies’ and the use of a Walk in Tub.  I detail how these various methods can improve your quality of life, so that living with poor blood circulation can become easier.

Would you like to receive a FREE COPY of our new e-book? 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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Hydrotherapy and Walk-in Bathtubs

by Alan Knight

A Brief History of Hydrotherapy

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.
 

Some Things You Didn't Know ... About the Health Benefits of Walk-in Tubs

By Alan Knight

Photo Credit: acessinc.com
With all the commercials on TV, in print and online featuring the Walk-in Tub, most people have some idea about the relaxing benefits of the Walk-in Tub.  Advertising has also emphasized the safety benefits and the ease of use.  However, there are many other benefits that come with warm/hot water therapy that you might not have realized. Importantly, your health.

Weight loss can be an additional benefit from regular use of the Walk-in Tub.  As unbelievable as it may sound, recent studies have proven that the regular use of warm/hot water therapy can aid in the reduction of weight, as well as diminish the appearance of cellulite.  This is because soaking in hot water can simulate the effects of aerobic exercise. The hydrotherapy provided by the tub dilates the blood vessels, promoting better circulation as it relaxes the skin and muscles.  It also raises the heart rate, while lowering the blood pressure.  This seems to indicate that soaking in a warm/hot water may also provide healthful benefits, similar to those stemming from mild aerobic exercise.  

Photo Credit: businessoflosingweight.com
An article that appeared in the September 16, 1999 issue of the “New England Journal of Medicine” followed a group of subjects who were required to soak in hot water for 30 minutes a day, six days a week, for three weeks. Though the study was designed for diabetes research, the results were wide-reaching.  The patients' weight was reduced by an average of 3.75 pounds.  The subjects lost over one pound per week, just by soaking in hot water.

Routine use of hot-water-jetted therapy can also diminish the appearance of cellulite.  The fatty deposits that typically gather on the hips, thighs and buttocks of most women past their 30s can never be fully eliminated, unless one undergoes expensive and invasive procedures such as liposuction.  The design of a woman's body naturally causes the skin to dimple, whether she is overweight or thin.  According to a variety of medical sources, the hydrotherapy that a Walk-in Tub provides stimulates the blood vessels, increasing circulation.  It also tones the body tissue, reduces fluid retention, and relieves swelling.  These factors combined can result in diminishing the appearance unsightly cellulite.

Photo Credit: tubz.com
Let me pause and explain the difference between the whirlpool and the air bath.  Most Walk-in Tubs offer either or both features. The greatest difference in the two therapies is the type of massage provided.  Whirlpool baths provide a more “aggressive,” deep tissue and joint massage. They’re often used to treat patients in hospitals, athletic training rooms, and physical therapy facilities.  A whirlpool bath is extremely beneficial in treating muscle sprains, damaged joints, back problems and aches and pains that arise from time to time as we age.  Both the “New England Journal of Medicine” and the National Arthritis Foundation have recognized and endorsed the benefits of hydrotherapeutic whirlpool baths in the enhancement of circulation, which is very important to anyone suffering from the effects of arthritis and diabetes, as well as injuries or just muscle stress from exercise. So again: whirlpool baths provide “high pressure” massage.

Photo Credit: cnbhomes.com

Air baths, on the other hand, provide a different type of massage than whirlpool baths.  It is a less-deep, soft tissue massage.  The low pressure soft massage of an air-jetted bath is provided by millions of heated air bubbles that contact the skin after they’re released from jet ports that are placed in various parts of the Walk-in Tub.  The air bubbles that the blower produces sooth the body, boost cardiac output, open pores and improve circulation. Plus, let’s face it, they just feel great. It’s like being caressed by millions of tiny, tender loving bubbles. Air jet baths, then, provide a “low pressure” massage.

Photo Credit: pedemmorsels.com
Did you know that lower back pain is the number two reason in the U.S. (after colds and the flu) for a visit to the doctor?  Millions of people suffer needlessly.  In 1995, a study published in the “British Journal of Rheumatology” offered evidence that hot water therapy has both short- and long-term benefits for people with lower back pain.  After three weeks of consistent spa therapy, examinations showed more improvement in the health status (as measured in pain duration, 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, patients’ use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs had decreased.

Another little known benefit of Walk-in Tubs is in surgical recovery.  A study conducted in Alexandria, Virginia back in 2007 showed that warm water therapy aided in the recovery process for knee replacement patients.  This study found that patients had improved range of motion and less pain and swelling throughout their recovery process. These were attributed to the time spent in hydrotherapy sessions.

Photo Credit: efit30.com
As I mentioned earlier, one significant benefit of warm water therapy is in improving the cardiovascular system. Soaking in hot water therapy can produce some of the same health benefits of aerobic (also known as “cardio”) exercise, with less stress to the heart.  A warm water therapy experience increases the heart rate while lowering the blood pressure, instead of raising it, as other forms of exercise will do.  Research led by Dr. Thomas G. Allison of the world-renowned Mayo Medical Center, examined the body temperature and cardiovascular stress experienced by 15 patients at risk for heart disease both in hot water and on exercise bicycles. The studies showed that exercise caused blood pressure to rise from an average of 121/73 to 170/84.  By contrast, sitting in a hot water spa made the blood pressure drop from an average of 117/77 to 106/61.  The article also states that warm water therapy can raise one’s heart rate by as much as 25.7 beats per minute.

Photo Credit: olympichottub.com
Now let's talk about diabetes for a moment. Can a Walk-in Tub really help?  According to the Diabetes Association, over 15.7 million Americans are diabetic.  Tight control of blood glucose (sugar) levels is the only defense against the many problems and side effects that come from diabetes.  Studies published in the September 16, 1999 issue of the “New England Journal of Medicine” gave new hope to the millions who suffer from diabetes.  It stated that hot tub therapy helped a group of American Type 2 diabetics reduce their blood sugar levels and improve sleep patterns.

Similarly, an independent study led by Dr. Phillip L. Hooper at the McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado studied a group of Type 2 diabetes patients for three weeks. The patients were required to soak in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day, six days a week, for the duration of the study.  The results were astounding!  The patients' average blood sugar levels were reduced by an average of 13%.  Hooper also stated that one of the subjects was able to reduce his daily dose of insulin by 18% after only ten days of the study.  In reference to these findings, Dr. Hooper stated that hot tubs are especially helpful for patients who were unable to exercise, and recommended that hot tub treatments should be included as regular therapy for patients with diabetes.  

Photo Credit: hullcoexteriors.com
But aren't we talking about Walk-in Tubs in this article?  Yes; keep in mind that the hot/warm water hydrotherapy benefits between a hot tub and a Walk-in tub are just the same.  Plus, Walk-in Tubs have advantages over the hot tub.  Their safety features immediately come to mind.  With most hot tubs, getting into and out of the tub can be awkward and sometimes dangerous, especially for the elderly.  Slipping and falling in the bathroom, statistically the most dangerous room in the house for seniors, is a possible risk that can be avoided entirely with the Walk-in Tub.  Oriented in their design towards the senior population, Walk-in Tubs come with a low threshold for entering and exiting the tub; a water-tight door; a form-fitting, no-slip seat and floor; and internal grab bars.  Additionally, the Walk-in Tub can be much more affordable than a large spa or hot tub.

The Walk-in Tub is a virtual, self-contained, safety-featured medical miracle when it comes to treating the body with air and water jets in warm/hot water.  From the moment your body gets immersed in the Walk-in Tub, it begins to experience physiological changes that naturally make you feel better. 

Why not immerse yourself in natural, hydrotherapeutic healing?  The Walk-in Tub can provide many health benefits that will keep you going strong and feeling great.


In this article, I discussed some of the key health benefits that can be gained from regular use of hydrotherapy sessions in warm/hot water, particularly in a Walk-in Tub. I talked about the cardiovascular benefits, cosmetic results, weight loss statistics and help in controlling symptoms of diabetes that a Walk-in Tub can provide. I also discussed the difference between whirlpool therapy and air jet therapy.

If you found this article useful, please share it with your family, friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the Comment section of this blog. Thanks again for visiting with us.

If you’d like to receive a FREE Walk-in Tub Buyers’ Guide, fill out the form below.



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Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and my brother, Alan, who heads up Tub King, will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Click Here to Learn More.

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. His companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. To contact Tub King directly, call (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.