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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 19^th 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 19^th 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.

A Story About Bathtubs to “Whet” Your Appetite

By Alan Knight

Photo Credit: theamericanmercury.org

On December 28, 1917, the popular journalist H. L. Mencken (who had previously covered the aftermath of the Great Fire of Jacksonville in 1901) published an article in the "New York Evening Mail" titled "A Neglected Anniversary." It described the curious history of the bathtub in America, particularly how people, initially believing that bathtubs posed a health risk, were slow to accept them until President Millard Fillmore popularized them by installing one in the White House in 1850.

Photo Credit: openlettersmonthly.com

“The first bathtub in the United States was installed in Cincinnati, on December 20, 1842, by Adam Thompson. It was made of mahogany and lined with sheet lead. At a Christmas party, he exhibited and explained it and four guests later took a plunge. The next day the Cincinnati paper devoted many columns to the new invention and it gave rise to violent controversy.

“During the same year the Legislature of Virginia laid a tax of $30 a year on all bathtubs that might be set up. In Hartford, Providence, and Wilmington, special and very heavy water rates were laid on persons who had bathtubs. Boston in 1845 made bathing unlawful except on medical advice, but the ordinance was never enforced and in 1862 it was repealed.

Photo Credit: saturdayeveningpost.com

“President Millard Fillmore gave the bathtub recognition and respectability. While Vice President, he visited Cincinnati in 1850 on a stumping tour and inspected the original bathtub and used it. Experiencing no ill effects he became an ardent advocate, and on becoming President, he had a tub installed in the White House. The Secretary of War invited bids for the installation. This tub continued to be the one in use until the first Cleveland Administration.”

The controversy reached other cities, and in more than one place medical opposition was reflected in legislation. In 1843 the Philadelphia Common Council considered an ordinance prohibiting bathing between November 1 and March 15, and this ordinance failed of passage by but two votes.
Some papers designated it as an epicurean luxury, others called it undemocratic, as it lacked simplicity in its surroundings. Medical authorities attacked it as being dangerous to one's health.

Nothing in Mencken's history of the bathtub was true. It was all a joke. Mencken later wrote, "My motive was simply to have some harmless fun in war days.” Mencken said he didn't expect anyone to take his article seriously. However, it literally took several years to straighten out the hoax.

Photo Credit: serenityindesign.blogspot.com

So, what is the truth about bathtubs today? We have certainly come a long way. Today the tubs are more beautiful, comfortable, and functional than ever before. And contrary to the once-held erroneous belief, they are indeed good for one’s health and sense of well-being.

Luxury Tubs. The newly reproduced cast iron and porcelain footed tubs are extremely popular among those who are seeking to add the element of elegance to their bath. One of the more popular designs is the Slipper Tub. It has often been portrayed in movies and television as the tub of the stars. With its high-arching back and sexy lines, it defines wealth and opulence. The robust, rich porcelain interior seems to speak to infer the opulence of royalty. New styles that are patterned after those of yesteryear would include not only the different sizes of Slipper Tubs, but also the Dual-Ended, Pedestal, Double Slippers and Roll Top.

Photo Credit: oaktreelife.com

When you add plumbing fixtures made of chrome, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze to your cast iron/porcelain tubs, you can really make your luxury tub stand out. Matching the legs of the tubs with the same finish as the faucet, drain and water supply lines can really make the tub shine. Combined, all these cohesive design elements deliver the message of luxury and wealth.

Today, prices have never been better for those looking to purchase a luxury bathtub. Because of major production foundries in other countries, these porcelain tubs can be imported and sold at prices that anyone can afford. Alan Knight, president of Tub King, Inc., cautions, “Just make sure you don’t go for an acrylic reproduction of the old designs. We’ve found that over time, they don’t hold up to heavy use and they seem to lose their shape and finish very easily. The right choice would be the cast iron and porcelain original designs. These well-built tubs can potentially last for hundreds of years. Plus they look like a million dollars.”

Photo Credit: wisemanimprovement.com

Functional Tubs. Many people have trouble taking a bath because of mobility constraints. They may still be young, but are suffering from an injury or an early debilitating disease like MS. Then you have the growing senior population, who may have challenges when getting into and out of a traditional bathtub; it’s a real safety task. The Walk-in tub was created to make bathing easier and safer for those in need of help. With the addition of hydrotherapy in the form of air and water jets, the new tub became an instant hit. Now, a person can access the tub through a low ingress/egress, water-tight door, sit down on a non-slip seat, and soak in warm water. Within arm’s reach is a convenient hand-held shower sprayer. They could also engage the air pump and create thousands of therapeutic bubbles to treat various medical conditions. The water pump provides a complete massage system, pulsing water against various parts of the body that need help. The inline heater allows them to remain in the tub as long as they want. The greatest part of this entire package is the freedom. Seniors can take a bath in privacy, without needing help from anyone.

There are quite a few companies out there selling the Walk-in Tub with a high price tag. Don’t get ripped off! Do your homework. Tub King, Inc., offers Walk-in Tubs at discounted prices and will even meet or beat any competitor’s price. Don’t pay $10,000 for a Walk-in Tub when you can purchase the same tub with the same features for a third of that.

Photo Credit: champagnespas.com

Today, numerous scientific studies show from a hygienic and therapeutic (and yes, psychological)
standpoint, frequent bathing is a healthy activity. In fact, there’s an entire academic and real-world field focusing on the well-documented benefits of hydrotherapy.

In this article, I talked about H.L. Mencken’s historic parody about the growing popularity of the bathtub in the U.S., saying it was President Fillmore who helped popularize it in America back in the 19th century. I then went on to describe some of the various historic models such as the elegant clawfoot tub, which is making a comeback today. I also described the benefits of the modern-day Walk-in Tub.

If you found this article interesting, please share and forward. If you’d like to leave a comment or question, please do so in the Comments section below.

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Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed below and I’ll personally get back to you. Thanks for reading; it’s my pleasure to share this information with you. Here's wishing all you have a healthy, happy and properous New Year.

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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) 409-3375, (800)843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com.