Explore the Benefits of Hydrotherapy This Season

Hydrotherapy sounds fancy, but you’ve likely experienced it before. From cold plunges to swimming to a hot bath, hydrotherapy comes in a variety of formats, with relatively low risk. With the heat of summer, hydrotherapy can be a great solution for keeping cool!

Hydrotherapy uses water to bring relief to muscles and joints – whether you opt for hot or cold water, immersing yourself brings immediate lightness and release to sore spots. If you have access to pools or hot tubs with pressurized jets, you can find even more relief in targeted spots. Though hydrotherapy provides respite, it tends to treat symptoms of pain without curing the cause which requires more guidance from professionals. However, it is relatively low risk – unless you’re dipping into extreme temperatures, taking a dip is healthy for most people, bearing in mind risk of slips and falls.

Beyond sitting in hot or cold water like a tub or river, hydrotherapy also includes physical activity in water – like swimming or water aerobics. Often physiotherapists recommend building up muscle and flexibility in a pool, because it involves less impact on healing muscles and joints, and the buoyancy also provides relief to painful, stiff, and swollen muscles. The low-resistance of water allows people to find movement without furthering their risk of injury and discomfort – perfect for people in all walks of life!

Why do some people boast about cold plunges – do these really work? If you don’t have any health conditions to be concerned about, a cold dip could be worth a shot! The science behind its benefits is always growing – including relieving sore muscles, improving sleep, improving circulation, and reducing your core temperature. This sounds way more appealing in summer than in the dead of winter, plus could help cool you off on a hot day. Considering potential health risks, here’s a few tips to help keep you safe if you give a cold plunge a try. First, start gradual at a temperature of 50-59°F or 10-15°C and keep it short – less than five minutes, and build up to lower temperatures and longer periods. Second, consider pairing with heat therapy right after – like a hot tub or sauna. There are plenty of Nordic Spas around that are pretty affordable, and give you both cold and hot options on-site. Third, consider that cold therapy doesn’t have to come from sitting in water for five minutes – you could try a cold shower or bucket of ice water instead, with similar effects in the heat of summer.

Let’s not forget internal hydration. When spending time in water during the long, hot days of summer, you are still sweating and will need to replenish to stay hydrated. Keeping water near while in for a dip is essential – because waiting until you get out to drink will be too late – you’ll already be dehydrated! And then of course, it comes to the famous debate – water or electrolytes? Typically water is always recommended first, and only if you’ve done a lot of physical activity, do physicians then suggest electrolyte drinks.

So whether you’re into an intense temperature immersive experience, or simply getting some exercise while cooling off, consider the benefits that hydrotherapy brings to your health and wellness this season!