In recent decades, doctors have confirmed the healing power of bathing in warm water. Studies and testimonials have shown the public how these proven health benefits, known as hydrotherapy, offer a reliable and affordable homeopathic method for treating many of today’s most common ailments that seniors must deal with. A walk in bathtub grants peace of mind through the walk in bathtubs safety, comfort, and therapeutic benefits.
For those who have struggled to get into and out of a bathtub, dreading the slippery shower floor and unmanageable glass doors, a walk in tub is waiting. Just open the door, step in, sit down in the comfortable contoured built-in seat and enjoy a much deserved bath.
Types of Tub Therapy:
Soaking – Bathtub soaking stimulates the contact and temperature receptors located on the surface of the skin which promotes relaxation and stress relief. Water, whether consumed or applied externally is a great way to detoxify the body and replenish it with much needed hydration. Soaking in varying temperatures of water can be good for the nervous system and for blood flow which impacts hearts, lungs, kidneys and much more.
Bathing therapy is touted as an easy way to treat many ailments. Such therapy can be used to treat inflammation, tendonitis, infection, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, injuries, back pain, and other painful ailments. Soaking in warm water is not only used to treat ailments, it is also well known for preventing them. Studies have shown that water therapy is great for rehabilitation from accidents, traumas, strokes, connective tissue diseases and even asthma and other respiratory related problems. Because bathing therapy increases blood circulation, the immune system is strengthened, increasing energy and improving overall mood.
Taking a warm bath in a walk-in bathtub also reduces the effects of stress, reduces pain, improves sleep, prevents headaches, and has been found to improve blood sugar, lower blood pressure and potentially help to treat depression. Walk in tubs are often deeper than a traditional tub offering you a more immersive and comfortable bath which makes therapy in a walk in tub ideal.
Air Massage Therapy – A walk-in bathtub with air massage therapy comes with twenty strategically placed air jets to guarantee the body receives attention where it is most needed. Air massage therapy rejuvenates the skin with a light touch massage, helping to manage pain and make every bath in a walk-in bathtub a spa experience. Gentle
bubbles from the air jets on a walk-in bathtub calm the nervous system, reduce stress, detoxify the body by stimulating the lymphatic system and improve blood circulation.
Hydro Massage Therapy - A walk in bathtub can be equipped with five adjustable/ directional jets positioned in the tub. Two on the back, three in the foot well. The pressure is adjusted by rotating the jet face to the left or the right, providing the right amount of pressure needed for the ultimate massage. The water flow can be turned off by adjusting the jet half way, offering a more vigorous, focused massage to hit specific areas such as the lower back, arms, hips, legs and feet.
What to look for in a Walk-In Tub:
Five major considerations to help make an informed decision before buyinga Walk-In Tub:
QUALITY
Find a quality tub that will last for decades. Look for one that’s 100% leak proof and mold resistant, and full
metal framed construction.
WARRANTY
Ask for a lifetime “no leak guarantee” on the walk-in tub door seal.
PAIN RELIEVING THERAPY
Find a tub that has both water and air jet therapy to soak away your aches and pains.
COMFORT
Only consider tubs that are UL or UPC listed. Also, look for a tub tested to IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials) standards.
Dual Massage (Air andWater Spa Systems) – Dual massage walk in tubs offer the ability to have both hydro and air massage so that when a walk in bathtub is brought into the home, each bather can enjoy a softer light touch massage, a more forceful and focused massage or can choose to have both soothing spa systems activated at the same time.
Walk-in Tub Benefits:
Arthritis – Arthritis affects the lives of millions of Americans, but few know how close help is. Simply bathing in a walkin bathtub serves as an easy yet effective remedy for this debilitating condition.
In 1998, two physicians discovered that after just three weeks of regular warm bathing, arthritis sufferers were less stiff, endured less pain, and began feeling more limber. The physicians determined that this simple treatment
did so much to treat arthritis because when water reduces weight by 90%, pressure is relieved from joints, thereby decompressing cartilage and promoting much needed repair. In addition, the warmth of the water enhances this healing process, as heat dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to sore or damaged tissue. The Arthritis
Foundation affirms that warm water therapy keeps joints moving in a gentle setting. A walk in bathtub can help restore strength and even delay further damage to sensitive joints. For those seeking relief from arthritis, a walk-in bathtub is a safe, reliable remedy.
Diabetes – Bringing a walk-in tub into the home is one of the best steps for treatment and management of Diabetes. According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, type II diabetes patients reported a 13% reduction in blood-sugar levels, improved sleep, and an increased sense of well-being by simply enjoying warm water therapy as a home remedy for diabetes symptoms. Research shows stress reduction improves the quality of life and may indirectly improve blood sugar control. What better way to relax than to step safely into a walk in bathtub.
Alzheimer’s – Living with Alzheimer’s requires patience for both the patient and the caregiver, and bathing is one of the most difficult tasks to overcome. A walk-in bathtub addresses many of the fears that come with bathing for Alzheimer’s sufferers.
Heart Health – For many people looking to improve their heart health, exercising is not easy. However, a recent Mayo Clinic study revealed how soaking in a warm bath increases heart rate while lowering blood pressure, providing the cardiovascular benefits similar to those of cardio exercises while granting the bather greater comfort and less strain on their heart. The study showed that warm water immersion, available in a walk in tub, can protect the heart from arrhythmias and improve the strength of the heart.
Sleep Disorders – Drifting peacefully into a deep sleep can be difficult after a stressful day or when trying to ignore chronic pain. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter sleep aids, there’s a simpler, safer and more natural solution: a warm bath in a walk in bathtub. Studies from around the world have shown that taking a twenty minute bath at least an hour before bed naturally puts the body into a state of relaxation and sleep readiness. Although it may not grant relief from sleep apnea, a walk in tub’s therapeutic spa system rejuvenates the body and mind, letting a full night sleep come easily.
Stress Reduction – Hydrotherapy helps heal the mind in many ways, and a walk in tub offers a variety of spa systems that can help with pain relief and stress relief. Even as children are taught how taking a warm bath at the end of a taxing day is one of the best ways to alleviate stress. In the years when living a comfortable, stress free life is most important, it is essential to bring a walk in bathtub into the home. The stress relief from a walkin bathtub will help strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, improve metabolism, manage diabetes and improve heart health. Enjoying a safe, stress free bathing experience is what every person deserves, and a walk-in bathtub is there to help.