Pain is a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be something so debilitating that normal day-to-day activity is limited. Estimates say that as many as 85 percent of older adults experience some type of chronic pain, from general aging pain to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The causes of this pain vary, and there are different ways to treat them medically. When it comes to simple at-home remedies, many doctors recommend heat, massages, etc. to relieve aches and pains, all of which can be provided by a walk-in tub.
When soothing warmth is combined with the other therapeutic features of a walk-in tub, the harshness of aches and chronic pain can be mitigated. It may not be a cure, but it’s a big step in the right direction for living with chronic pain.
How do walk-in tubs ease aches and pains? There are several built-in features that make them ideal for pain management.
Heat Has Many Benefits
Simply soaking in a warm bath can be enough to relieve pain. This is because the heat from warm water does multiple things to a person’s body:
- Increases blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to impacted areas
- Loosen stiff joints
- Relieves muscle tension
- Increases your bodies supply of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killers
- Soothe nerve endings and reduce their sensitivity
- Decrease inflammation, which is a very common cause of pain
What’s the difference between soaking in a step-in tub and a regular bathtub or shower? There are several differences. Walk-in tubs have:
- Heated seats and backrests, which increase the heat delivered to the body
- Areas for seating, which relaxes your body over standing or sitting on a stool
- Easier and safer access to the tub that results in less strain on the body
Buoyancy Relieves Strain on Muscles and Joints
The water level of a walk-in tub can be filled all the way up to about your shoulders. This gives you a gentle floating sensation because of the buoyancy of your body. When you’re in a semi floating state while submerged in water, it can remove a significant amount of pressure and stress on your joints and muscles. This floating feeling can provide pain relief when combined with a prolonged deep soak in warm water.
Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massages, like those delivered by the gentle streams of waters in walk-in tubs can help relieve body pain in numerous ways:
- Helping relax muscles, joints, and tendons
- Relieving stress and anxiety
- Stimulating competing nerve fibers, this impedes pain messages sent from the brain
Relaxing Distractions Provide Relief
Walk-in tubs offer more than soothing heat and gentle massages, they also enhance your bathing experience with Chromotherapy and Aromatherapy (Chromotherapy uses light therapy to stimulate your senses and Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts to release pleasing scents). Both of these enhancements induce a state of relaxation that takes your mind away from the aches, pains, and stresses of your body. They top off the complete list of hydrotherapy benefits provided by the right walk-in tub.
Learn more about the pain-relieving benefits of walk-in tubs from Independent Home. Call 888-239-1058 or send us a message.
