Hot tubs in the Care Sector

 Although throughout history water has been used to maintain health and recover from injuries, health care providers are often still unaware of the science that shows how hot water immersion can ease many conditions. It has only been in the last few years that we have seen a huge increase in people using hydrotherapy in their own homes as an alternative treatment for many illnesses. With ever increasing emphasis on choice for service users, this is now becoming more and more common in care settings for all spectrums.

Immersion in hot water:

• Increases circulation
• Aids breathing
• Improves moods.

This is because when the body is in water, it affects every part of the body. Therefore

it must adjust accordingly, resulting in a greater cardiac output and a lower resting

pulse rate. When the body is hot it releases chemicals (Hormones) that help us to relax

and improve our mood.

Research has shown the increasing benefits this offers to the elderly and mentally or physically disabled, especially conditions such as Arthritis, Rheumatism, High or Low Blood pressure, Stress, Diabetes, Insomnia and Alzheimer’s.

It has shown that regular use of a Hot Tub with the effective massaging jets like those in an Arctic Spa improves mobility, circulation, eases joint pain and can lead to better sleep patterns. Our Hot tubs with contoured seating and armrests provide secure seating for the service user as well as added comfort.

 

Our New Arctic Ocean Family Fun & Fitness pools also provide excellent Aquatic Therapy. These are an excellent asset for all care providers, providing the dual benefits of massaging seats at one end and a large swimming/exercise area with adjustable swim jets at the opposite end, along with a safety harness, enabling the user to swim in a safe, warm environment. Our fitness spas also offer added equipment to provide a more comprehensive aqua aerobic experience that can be tailored to suit the individuals needs and capabilities. Hoisting equipment specific to your requirements is also available.

The buoyancy of the water means less weight on joints making activities usually painful on land easier in the water. Numerous studies have shown that this leads to greater movement and decreased pain.

The flexibility of these spas means you can set the temperature up to 40c, enabling them to be used all year round.

 It has also shown the huge benefits for adults and children with Autism, Retts disorder, Aspergers disorder and many more.

Although a lot of disorders are rarely termed to be physically disabled, many do have very low muscle tone, making exercise or sitting for long periods of time very difficult. Aquatic therapy is a very successful alternative treatment, providing a safe environment that not only supports the service user, but also provides them with hydrostatic pressure that surrounds their body in the water. This pressure actually soothes and calms, giving them important sensory input. The warm water also reduces spasticity and relaxes muscles.

Many disorders have common symptoms that can include unusual sleeping patterns, sensory and perceptual problems. Hot Tubs can help with this because as well as the hydrotherapy benefits of a spa, we also offer:

• Varied lighting options/patterns.
• Aqua tremor sound systems – this offers sound that you can feel through the water providing a vibro-acoustic massage.
• Safety rails/booster seats/steps/hand rails as well as electric and manual hoisting equipment.

 

Many private clients have purchased a Spa purely for their own child with Autism or a similar disorder. It has made a dramatic difference in most cases. The most common benefits seem to be:

• Calmer behaviour
• Improved sleep patterns
• Enjoyment for the child

 All these benefits lead to a better quality of life for the individual and their families and carers.  I feel Hydrotherapy and hot tubs are definitely the future for all care sectors.

 

 

 

Nicky Hemming

Arctic Spas Ltd.