Confessions of a ThermoSpas Employee

As I’ve been discovering, aside from pure enjoyment, spas and hot tubs provide relief for many medical ailments including arthritis, insomnia, lower back pain, and Type 2 diabetes.  Most hot tub owners already know that their spas were for more than just entertainment purposes, but there is real evidence that hot tubs can improve your health in a number of different ways.

Hydrotherapy for Diabetes Studies from The New England Journal of Medicine examined how “hot tub therapy” has the potential to be very beneficial for those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. The study, conducted by Dr. Philip L. Hooper, M.D. of the McKee Medical Center in Loveland, Colorado, followed eight patients who were required to sit in a hot tub for thirty minutes a day, six days a week, for a period of three weeks. The results were astounding.  Following the study, the patients’ blood sugar levels were reduced by an average of 13%. One was even able to reduce his daily dose of insulin by 18%. The study also showed that the patients lost an average of three and three-quarter pounds each, without any changes in their diet or exercise. The patients lost weight just by relaxing in their spa! In addition to the breakthrough medical aspects of this study, the patients also reported an improvement in their general well being. The study recipients reported sleeping better and feeling a heightened sense of relaxation after their time in the hot tubs.

The study did raise some concerns about the possibility of using a hot tub as a method of therapy for Type 2 diabetes sufferers. An article from Diabetes Interview discussed some common side effects of diabetes including neuropothy and the potential of passing out due to dramatic blood sugar reduction. Neuropathy is a loss of feeling in the limbs, specifically in the legs and feet. The concern was that patients suffering from neuropathy might burn themselves in overheated spa water since they cannot rely on their senses for caution. However, ThermoSpas hot tubs can be programmed and locked to exact temperatures, and they are equipped with three automatic, high limit temperature controls that prevent the hot tub water from ever rising above 104F, so you don’t have to worry about your ThermoSpas getting too hot.  Another concern for diabetes sufferers stemmed from the fact that with the state of relaxation and lowered blood sugar levels that result from spending time in a hot tub, it is very possible for patients to feel weak or even to pass out.  It is recommended that anyone with diabetes use a hot tub only with supervision or a companion.

Hydrotherapy is by no means a cure for diabetes but regular hot tub use coupled with a healthy diet and medical care can have a positive impact on overall health!  Who wouldn’t mind losing a few pounds just by sitting in warm water….I think I’m going to give up my gym membership for a hot tub soak every evening