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Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
Modern Spa and Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
By
Julie Ann-Amos
Modern technology, materials and production processes make it
possible to design and build home spas and hot tubs with highly specialized
hydrotherapy features. These features are typically based on a combination
of seating position, jet position and jet function. Lets look at each of
these aspects in turn.
Seating Position Traditional hot tub seating was bench-style,
typically in a round shape and at a uniform depth so that everyone sat at
the same level in the tub. This made it challenging for people of different
heights to fully benefit from hot tub therapy.
With the development of molded fiberglass spa shells came the development of
different shapes and sizes of seats. Manufacturers began to include lounge
seats, where the bather reclines in the water, as well as seats to
accommodate bathers of different heights. Some also included deeper seats,
designed to fully immerse the bather and allow placement of jets in specific
positions for specific benefits.
Jet Position Moldable shell manufacturing made it possible for the
first time to place jets in nearly any position within the tub.
Manufacturers began experimenting with placing jets in places where they
would focus on specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck,
shoulders, arms and legs.
The earliest jets were single-action nozzles with limited ability to adjust
where they were aimed or the intensity of the jet action. This made it
difficult to use them in positions where they would affect more tender areas
of the body, such as wrists, forearms, ankles, feet and knees. As
manufacturers developed more advanced jets with a wider variety of
functionality, though, the technology of hydrotherapy advanced
significantly.
Jet Function Modern hot tubs and spas can be customized with a
surprising variety of jets that range from multi-purpose to highly
specialized. Buyers often are able to select exactly which jets to install
in specific locations within their hot tub or home spa.
Common Types of Jets:
- Swirl jets water swirls in a circular pattern,
with a massaging action that covers a wide area
- Whirlpool jets a large, round jet that
concentrates pressure in a specific area
- Mini jets smaller than standard jets, they are
often grouped together in clusters, especially in massage and therapy
seats
- Pillow jets combines massaging action for the
neck with a pillow designed to let the bather rest their head without
going under water
- Shoulder jets positioned above the water line
to focus attention of specific parts of the shoulder
- Moving massage jets this oval-shaped jet moves
back and forth in a sweeping motion to provide pulsating therapy
The benefits of different jet types have grown
substantially with the development of independent seating control. In older
spas and hot tubs, one set of controls ran all of the therapy jets, but
independent seating control allows each bather to control the strength and
intensity of therapy in their own individual seat.
Hydrotherapy for Fitness
The latest technology in hydrotherapy involves using jetted tubs for fitness
purposes. This new generation of home spas is elongated in shape and allows
the bather to choose traditional spas functions or switch over to functions
that allow for a vigorous workout. They are commonly referred to as swim
spas.
A swim spa has powerful jets that set up a strong resistance current that
allows the user to swim as if in a full sized lap pool. The elongated shape
allows even the tallest people to stretch out into a full-length stroke and
the center depth is such that even a full arm extension will not bump into
the bottom of the spa.
Adjustable current jets make it possible to adjust workout intensity
depending on the users fitness level, and increase intensity over time as
the level of fitness improves.
Summary
Spas and hot tubs have been around in one form or another for centuries, but
only in the last few decades have technology, materials and manufacturing
improved to the point where a home spa is affordable enough and reliable
enough to be within reach of most people.
Hot tub hydrotherapy is one of the most popular and effective ways to treat
a wide variety of medical conditions, injuries, or simply promote relaxation
and stress relief. Once you have experienced the benefits of a home spa or
hot tub, you will wonder how you ever lived without one!
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Health Benefits of Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
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