What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy utilises different water temperatures and applications to treat symptoms of health conditions. It is also known as water therapy or aquatic therapy. Hydrotherapy can be as simple as taking a warm bath at home and includes the use of pressurised jets, hot and cold temperatures and ice packs.
Water has been used by healthcare providers to treat injuries and diseases since the time of Hypocrates. However, it has only been in the past few decades, that clinical studies have more accurately identified the benefits of this form of treatment.
The health benefits of hydrotherapy
The use of warm water in various forms and temperatures can offer benefits for individuals with multiple conditions, supporting the well being of both body and mind. Through the application of various systems, such as massage jets and whirlpool baths, hydrotherapy provides relaxation and muscle stretching, improves muscle tone and strength, boosts blood circulation, enhances joint range of movement, and allows freedom of movement due to reduced weight bearing.
Importantly, hydrotherapy may offer some symptom relief for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuropathy
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
Please note that hydrotherapy is not a cure for medical conditions and should not replace prescribed treatments or medications. It can however provide temporary relief from pain, stiffness and swelling in many cases.
Integrating hydrotherapy into an accessible bathroom design
When designing and budgeting for an accessible bathroom with hydrotherapy in mind, it’s important to consider the overall needs of the individuals who will use the bathroom. Safety features such as grab bars, anti-slip flooring and sanitary ware placement should always be a top priority.
Whilst therapy specific features such a spa jets for walk-in baths or specific shower heads for level-access showers are potentially more discretionary investments if certain medical conditions are not a concern.
Walk-In Baths with Hydrotherapy Features
Some bath models offer hydrotherapy features such as jets that massage specific areas of the body or very accurate temperature control settings which can be used for hot or cold water sessions. These features can enhance the overall bathing experience and provide targeted relief for specific symptoms. Some example models from the Absolute Mobility range which include hydrotherapy features can be below.
Cambridge Walk-in Bath
The Cambridge walk-in bath features a modern and stylish design and is available in in two lengths, 1675mm or 1,500mm, the latter often being specified in smaller bathrooms. It features a simple push-button control for its integrated bath lift, for added safety it is also be fitted with a battery backup, so the bath seat can still be used in the case of a power failure.
The easy access door opens inwards in left or right-hand options to accommodate the layout of your bathroom. The Cambridge easy access bath can also be fitted with an air spa system, carefully placed air jets create thousands of tiny bubbles that stimulate the skin, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation.
Cortega Double-Ended Full-length Walk-in Bath
The Cortega double-ended full-length walk-in bath features an inward opening door made from toughened glass. Wall-mounted bath mixed controls can be wall-mounted to stay out of the way as users enter and exit the bathing area and look stylish too.
The Cortega walk-in bath can additionally be specified with both hydrotherapy air spa capabilities and chromotherapy lights. Chromotherapy, also known as color therapy, is a holistic healing technique that uses colors to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The integrated LED lights can be set to specific colours or to cycle through the range available. Perfect for those candlelit bathing moments.
Easy Riser Walk-in Bath
The Easy Riser walk-in bath offers stylish bathing for those that required a bath with integrated seating. Two versions are available, the Peninsular, and the Corner. The Peninsular is particularly attractive as one end of the unit is curved and designed to become a feature element in the bathroom. The Corner version is designed for alcoves a half curved, half-square end panel to fit a corner.
One of the standout features of the Easy Riser is that its seat does not just lift the bather, but the backrest also reclines allowing the bather to get into a very relaxing position, and know that they have the support they need. As with the Cambridge bath, the Easy Riser can also be fitted with an optional air spa system, that produces tiny bubbles that stimulate the skin of the bather.
Indiana Walk-In Bath
The Indiana walk-in shower bath is possibly the most versatile of the products mentioned here, it has similar features and capabilities to the Cambridge walk-in bath, but with the additional bonus of having a large showing area, thanks to its p-shaped design. This makes the Indiana bath ideal for multi-generational households where a bathroom needs to meet the needs of various different bathers.
To underscore its versatility, the Indiana’s powered seat can be removed, which means that in future it can take on the appearance of a conventional p-shaped shower bath. What’s more it can even be specified with both a hydrotherapy air jet system, and Bluetooth speakers. Perfect for playing bed time stories from a mobile phone for the kids or some relaxing music when reading a book!
Specifying the Best Hydrotherapy Bathtub
At Absolute Mobility we offer a wide range of walk-in baths and accessible wet room features which not only make bathing safer but also more pleasurable and relaxing. If you or somebody you care for is considering adapting their current bathroom to incorporate a hydrotherapy bathtub, please reach out to our accessible bathroom experts for advice.
They will put together a range of recommendations tailored specifically to your needs. Alternatively if you are still weighing up your options you can also request a free copy of our brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy’s ability to promote relaxation and increase joint flexibility can beneficial for people that suffer from muscle tension, stiffness, or reduced mobility. Futhermore, people with chronic conditions may find hydrotherapy helps them to manage their symptoms and enhances their overall quality of life. Athletes looking to enhance their performance or recover from strenuous physical activity have shown in studies that hydrotherapy can facilitate muscle recovery and reduce inflammation.
Why is hydrotherapy used?
Hydrotherapy is valued for its therapeutic effects on both physical and mental health. For many people the feeling and sound of water is relaxing. Combined with practices like aromatherapy and chromotherapy and you can create a watery sanctuary in your own home.
Beyond that the physical benefits of sitting in water at different temperatures is well know. Warm water can relax strained muscles, whereas cold water stimulates blood circulation and can support the body to heal. Air spa features can also have a positive effect as gently stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of calming your body down after stressful fight or flight situations.
What can hydrotherapy treat?
Hydrotherapy is commonly used to address musculoskeletal issues such as muscle tension, stiffness, and joint pain, providing symptom relief for conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia. Additionally, hydrotherapy is effective in facilitating rehabilitation following surgeries or injuries, aiding in the recovery of mobility and strength. Its ability to improve circulation and enhance joint flexibility makes it particularly beneficial for individuals managing chronic conditions. Hydrotherapy’s soothing properties extend beyond the physical realm, offering mental relaxation and stress relief.
What is a Hydrotherapy Bath?
In theory a hydrotherapy bath is anything you can sit in that holds water. In reality though, most people have higher expectations than that, and often envisage a bath that has various different features most notably air jets. This jets either pump air into the water, or pump water into that bath at medium to high pressure.
