Confessions of a ThermoSpas Employee

Mia enjoying her ThermoSpas!

Mia Z. is the latest Seasons of Giving recipient. Mia suffers from Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder that has caused her to regress and lose abilities–such as the use of her hands–over time and unfortunately there is no cure.

Mia’s body becomes extremely stiff, causing terrible pain.  This pain and stiffness inhibits her ability to sleep and move.  Her doctor has prescribed aqua therapy, but spa treatment is not covered by her insurance and a therapeutic hot tub is not in her family’s budget. But now, thanks to ThermoSpas, Mia will be able to experience the benefits of warm water therapy every day right in her own backyard.

Rett Syndrome primarily affects females and causes them to lose abilities over time.  It most commonly affects gross motor, fine motor and speech skills, along with other various medical symptoms such as seizures, breathing difficulties, feeding issues and spinal problems.  Rett girls are aware of their surroundings; however they are most often developmentally delayed and will learn at a much slower pace than a normal functioning child.

“Mia went through her regression stage between the ages of 12 to 18 months and then again at just after 2 years when she lost all purposeful use of her hands,” explains her mother. “Mia has not gained the use of her hands back yet, but we have continued to HOPE that someday, she will be able to feed herself once again, as she did from about 1 to 2 years old.”

“Mia has never walked independently, but we believe that with the regular use of a ThermoSpa in combination with her physical therapy, that she would learn to do so.  A hot tub would be the ultimate therapy for the stiffness Mia experiences in her body’s inner core.  In addition, Mia is happier when she is in warm water, it appears to calm her and relax her in such a way that her smile could make anyone’s heart melt.  When used on a regular basis, I feel Mia’s entire body could relax and she could sleep more restfully each night,” said her mother.

A hot tub provides Mia with proven therapy:

• Muscle relaxation, which can reduce muscle spasms
• Decreased gravity, which increases breath control
• Improved trunk control, balance and coordination
• Increased mobility and range of motion
• Increased strength and endurance

Through its Seasons of Giving program, ThermoSpas donated a Triton Elite hot tub, which has 46 therapeutic jets and the “Ease of Use” commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.