Do you love going to the gym but hate feeling sore afterward? Well, although water therapy can be quite relaxing, you might be skeptical about the effects it could have on your body. So what’s the truth? Is a hot tub good for the recovery process?
The answer is yes! Read this article to find out more about the recovery routine.
Understanding Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as warm water immersion with jets, is an effective method to soothe sore muscles.
The combination of warm water and buoyancy involves the targeted application of water pressure to specific muscle groups, making it particularly beneficial for patients with arthritis and insomnia.
It also supports physical and mental well-being and promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Does Soaking In a Hot Tub After Workout Boost Muscle Recovery?
Using Hot Tub Before a Workout
Taking a hot soak can really help your muscles recover faster, but when’s the best time to do it? Here’s what the experts say about using spa before or after working out.
Hot tub owners use a hot tub before a workout to loosen up their muscles. Warm water helps prepare the body for a vigorous workout, acting as a warmup with a reduced risk of injury.
Using Hot Tub After a Workout
It is common to experience delayed onset muscle soreness within 14-24 hours of intense workout, so a hot tub can help reduce muscle tension and tightness. It can also stabilize breathing patterns, allowing circulation and blood flow.
Consult a healthcare professional before using a hot tub if you have any underlying health conditions.
6 Health Benefits of Soaking In A Hot Tub
This could be your sign to start your aqua therapy journey right now! Explore the science behind hot tub use and discover some benefits of hydrotherapy in the section below.
Improved Sleep Cycle: People with insomnia should ideally have post-workout hot tub sessions to promote better sleep patterns and build healthy habits
Joint Pain Relief: A hot tub after a workout lowers blood pressure, dilutes blood vessels, and increases blood flow to the muscles.
Active Mind and Body: Regular hot tub use can help burn calories and make you more flexible and active.
Muscle Recovery: Hot tub soak reduces muscle soreness and repairs the muscles, allowing a quick post-workout recovery.
Cardiovascular Health: Heat therapy supports heart health, allowing the heart to beat faster and reducing the chances of chronic heart diseases.
Anxiety Relief: Warm water promotes recovery by relieving stress and helps enter a relaxed mood, contributing to overall well-being.
Is Hot Bath Better Than An Ice Bath?
There has been an ongoing debate regarding the best recovery method, ice or hot bath, but both offer unique benefits. Let’s see which method suits you best!
Soaking in an ice bath causes your blood vessels to constrict blood flow and reduce inflammation. In addition, the ice temporarily numbs the nerves, effectively relieving pain.
Whereas heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and promotes active recovery. Thus, it is more effective than an ice bath.