How Hot Tubs Can Help Alleviate PTSD Symptoms
June is recognized as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to focus on how soaking in a hot tub can help aid the effects of PTSD and provide a better quality of life. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, there are nearly 8 million people who suffer from PTSD, and anyone with PTSD, whether they are veterans, first responders, or civilians who have experienced traumatic events, deserves to know there are ways to manage the condition.
Hydrotherapy & PTSD
Those who have PTSD experience both mental and physical issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, as well as muscle and joint pain. This is where wellness comes in. Wellness is defined as the act of being aware of what constitutes a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle for you, and actively pursuing it. While this can mean many things for people who are living with PTSD, hydrotherapy is a proven natural way to help combat some of the side effects of PTSD.
- Stress Reduction
Chronic stress can lower your immune system and make you susceptible to a host of infections and diseases. PTSD causes stress and anxiety, and it is certainly a huge threat to your overall health. It’s imperative to provide yourself with an outlet to help reduce it when possible. Soaking in a hot tub is known to offset negative experiences or pain and can help you focus on your wellbeing.
Soaking in a hot tub also decreases your production of cortisol, which is the stress hormone, while increasing your serotonin levels, which is the body’s “feel good” mood stabilizer. We recommend soaking in a hot tub for at least 20 minutes a day to help calm your nerves and relieve the stress.
- Relief From Pain and Cramps
If you’ve experienced PTSD, then you know how it can physically affect the body. Your muscles tense up, your joints ache, and there is just a constant pressure felt throughout the entire body. The effects of a good soak in a hot tub can be better than a Swedish massage. Just slide into the water, close your eyes, and allow the buoyancy of the water to relieve your aches and pains. The warm water will also improve your circulation and help with your flexibility.
- Mental Relaxation
When it comes to soaking in a hot tub, this can be both a place of self-reflection or a connection with a loved one. Those who experience PTSD often experience emotional and mental disconnections from themselves and their loved ones. But incorporating a 20-minute soak each day, the likelihood is you will be more in tune with your inner self, allowing you to be more focused and engaged throughout the day.
- Detoxifying
Hot tubs can help you detox. The heat and warmth can and will increase your core body temperature causing you to sweat. The more you sweat in these relaxing environments, the more likely you are to expel some of these toxins your body soaks up on a daily basis. But be sure to hydrate your system well during these soaks as they can cause you to dehydrate.
Your Hot Tub Experts in Chambersburg, Hagerstown & Martinsburg
PTSD can be an extremely isolating experience. It’s important to seek proper professional help if you are experiencing PTSD. Having regular access to a hot tub and incorporating hydrotherapy into your regular routine has been proven to help manage PTSD. Give the hot tub experts at Flohr Pools a call or stop by one of our three locations in Chambersburg, Hagerstown and Martinsburg today.
About Our Company
Flohr Pools is a pool builder and pool service company serving Martinsburg, Chambersburg, Hagerstown and the surrounding areas. Since 1968, Flohr Pools has remained dedicated to providing area residents with all of their pool and hot tub needs. Flohr Pools specializes in new pool construction, hot tub sales & installation, swim spas and above ground pools. Flohr Pool also offers a number of pool and hot tub service & repair options, including pool equipment repair, pool openings & closings and vinyl liner replacement.
Stop by one of our three pool supply store locations in Chambersburg, Martinsburg and Hagerstown to experience all Flohr Pools has to offer. We’ve got everything you need from the pool design phase to long after construction is complete.