Your Guide to Hydrotherapy at Home

The practice of hydrotherapy may sound like a modern invention, but it is as old as history. It was widely used in ancient India, Egypt, China, Japan, Greece, and Rome and was a key reason for the popularity of Turkish baths during the Victorian era. It is still used in high-end spas and medical facilities, and you can reap the benefits at home.

In this guide, we dive deep into the world of hydrotherapy. We explain what it is, how you benefit, and how to create your own healing oasis.

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy (also referred to as water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy, and balneotherapy) is the practice of using water temperature and pressure for physical and mental wellness. A hot bath relaxes tense muscles and promotes overall relaxation. A cool shower invigorates your senses. Jets of water provide a gentle massage. Each technique serves a purpose, whether it's pain relief, stress reduction, or improved circulation.

With the right techniques and products, you can enjoy these benefits at home. Some solutions can be done in a shower or existing tub, but for the best experience, you can use bathtubs designed with hydrotherapy in mind. Hydrotherapy tubs feature ergonomic shapes, adjustable jets, and precise temperature controls for life-long body and mind relaxation at home. Some also include specialty lighting and waterfall settings to improve the relaxation experience.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Why has hydrotherapy existed for so long for physical and mental recuperation?

It boosts circulation by massaging the body and encouraging blood flow, helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout your body.
For those with muscle aches or joint pain, the buoyancy of water reduces pressure on joints while the heat helps to relax tense muscles. Athletes often use hydrotherapy for faster recovery after intense workouts, while those with chronic conditions find relief from symptoms. This type of therapy is particularly helpful for older adults.
It significantly reduces stress and anxiety. The soothing nature of water can improve sleep quality, enhance mood, and even boost cognitive function when done regularly.
It's a natural way to hit the reset button on your mind, helping you face each day with renewed energy and focus.

Types of Hydrotherapy and How to Do Them at Home

Hydrotherapy encompasses a variety of techniques that can be done at home.

Full Body Immersion

Full-body immersion is the most common form of hydrotherapy. It involves submerging your body in water, typically in a bathtub.

A good soak in a warm bathtub with Epsom salts or essential oils helps you tap into this benefit, and the deeper your tub, the better. If your tub is relatively shallow, you can install a full-emersion tub at home easier than you may think. In many cases, you can install the tub in the same footprint as a standard tub or even go smaller while still getting the added depth you need for full immersion.

Targeted Jet Therapy

This technique uses pressurized water to massage specific body parts, improving circulation and relieving muscle tension.

At a spa, you might use a Vichy shower or a specialized hydrotherapy pool with a range of jet options. At home, you can use a showerhead with specialized power settings for targeted applications. For stronger results, tubs with specially-placed jets focus on problem areas like your lower back or shoulders. The water also puts less strain on your body, allowing for deeper application while surrounding your body in warm, soothing water.

Contrast Therapy

Contrast therapy is the process of alternating between hot and cold water to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation. Evidence suggests this activity reduces acute injuries by stimulating blood flow and reducing swelling.

At a spa, you might move between hot and cold pools or use alternating hot and cold compresses. You can adopt the same solution at home by sitting underneath the nozzle of your shower or tub and changing the temperature or applying compresses.

Steam Therapy

Steam therapy uses hot, moist air to open pores, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

If you don't have a sauna or steam room at home, you can create one by running a hot shower and sitting in the bathroom with the door closed.

Foot and Hand Baths

These targeted treatments can provide relief for tired extremities and promote overall relaxation.

At a spa, you might receive a professional foot soak with massage and exfoliation. At home, you can fill a tub with a shallow pool of warm water and Epsom salts. Soak your feet or hands for 15-20 minutes. Use a pumice stone for gentle exfoliation or massage pressure points on your feet for added benefits.

Choosing the Right Hydrotherapy Solution for Your Home

Here are three factors to consider:

Space: If you have limited space, a compact yet deep tub or a shower with specialized jets might be your best option. For larger spaces, you might opt for a full-emersion tub or a steam shower unit.
Features: Identify which hydrotherapy features are most important to you. Do you need adjustable jets for targeted therapy? Are you interested in steam therapy or contrast baths? Empava offers a range of products with customizable features to meet various needs.
Budget: Hydrotherapy solutions can vary significantly in cost. Set a budget that aligns with your desired features and look for products that offer the best value within that range.

Ultimately, the right choice will enhance your wellness routine and fit seamlessly into your home’s design. Consider consulting with a professional to explore the options and find the solution that best meets your needs.

Empava Tubs: Elevating Your Hydrotherapy Experience

Each hydrotherapy technique enhances your well-being. Empava’s unique tub solutions help you tap into the benefits of hydrotherapy and create a personal oasis tailored to your preferences. This includes Full Body Immersion, Targeted Jet Therapy, Contrast Therapy, and a comfortable place to relax when creating steam therapy at home. You can enjoy the therapeutic benefits like improving relaxation, relieving muscle tension, and promoting overall wellness that benefits everyone in the family, all in the comforts of your home.

Empava offers premium home appliances, including luxurious and innovative bathtubs that excel in hydrotherapy. Our cutting-edge designs are built to solve issues with current models on the market.

Some products we offer are:

Custom Tubs

One area Empava stands out in is its versatility. Empava's tubs tap into all of the benefits of hydrotherapy and are customizable for a tailored hydrotherapy experience. Unlike standard bathtubs, these custom models can be configured with features like adjustable jets, ergonomic seating, precise temperature controls, mood lighting, and waterfall settings, ensuring a personalized and effective hydrotherapy session every time.

Whirlpool tubs

We incorporate Whirlpool technology into our full range of tub designs, including two-person tubs, freestanding tubs, alcove tubs with clear siding, walk-in tubs, and Japanese-style massage tubs. You get powerful jet relief from one of the most respected water jet system companies on the market.

Walk-in tubs

Take the soak to a new height with our premium walk-in tubs. They are easy to access and easy to enjoy while minimizing your overall tub footprint. Our jet systems bring the added comfort you need.

Freestanding tubs

From extra deep to extra stylish, our freestanding tubs create an ultra-comfortable home for long, warm soaks while incorporating advanced features for a freestanding tub, such as Whirlpool technology.

Avantis tubs (KBIS)

We debuted our Avantis tubs at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to rave reviews. Its features improve your hydrotherapy experience with groundbreaking innovations in the tub industry:

Integration of Revi-Skin oxygen therapy into bathtubs
A round pillow specifically for cervical spondylosis
Methanal-free SERC material
Removable skirt design