Do Hot Tubs Help Sore Muscles?

Saunas, hot tubs, warm baths; there has long been a connection between warm water and healing properties. But do hot tubs help sore muscles? And are hot tubs good for you overall?

To shed some light on the therapeutic benefits of hot tubs, we’re uncovering how these luxurious add-ons can help you unwind and bid farewell to muscle soreness.

How Do Hot Tubs Help Sore Muscles

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at the science behind how hot tubs help sore muscles. Hot tub therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, combines the healing properties of warm water, buoyancy, and targeted jet massage to create a soothing and rejuvenating experience. This combination can work wonders for sore muscles, providing both immediate relief and long-term benefits.

1. Increased Blood Circulation

The warm water in hot tubs stimulates blood circulation, which means more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles. This increased circulation has been proven to support muscle recovery, helping remove metabolic waste products that can contribute to soreness. Improved blood flow also reduces inflammation, which can ease muscle discomfort.

2. Buoyancy Eases Pressure on Joints

The buoyancy of water in hot tubs reduces the impact on joints and muscles, creating a weightless environment that alleviates pressure. Buoyancy is a feature of water best described as a force exerted by a fluid (such as water or air) that opposes the weight of an immersed or submerged object. When something is put in water, the water pushes up on it, making it feel lighter. If an object is less heavy than the water around it, it will float. (This is why things like boats and rubber ducks float in water!).

This buoyancy is especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis or joint pain. As the pressure on joints decreases, sore muscles experience relief, allowing for a more comfortable and relaxing soak.

3. Muscle Relaxation through Heat

The warmth of hot tub water helps muscles relax and loosen, reducing tension and stiffness. Heat is known to increase the elasticity of muscles and connective tissues in a few ways:

• Increased Blood Flow: Heat causes blood vessels to dilate (widen), leading to increased blood circulation to the heated area. This improved blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, promoting faster healing and reducing muscle stiffness. 
• Pain Relief: Heat can ease pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to the brain. It also helps to soothe the nerve endings in the affected area, reducing the perception of pain. 
• Facilitates Healing: Heat promotes the healing process by increasing the metabolic rate and enzymatic activity in cells. This can accelerate the repair of damaged tissues and reduce the recovery time for injuries or overworked muscles.

This natural muscle relaxation eases soreness and improves overall flexibility.

4. Release of Endorphins

The hydrotherapy experience in hot tubs triggers the release of endorphins—the body's natural mood enhancers. As you soak in the warm water, the sensory experience, combined with the massage from the jets, encourages the release of these feel-good chemicals.

5. Targeted Jet Massage

Many hot tubs are equipped with dozens of strategically placed jets to deliver targeted massage to specific muscle groups. This allows you to customize your hydrotherapy experience, focusing on areas that are particularly sore or tense. 

6. Promotion of Sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for muscle recovery. During sleep, muscles and tissues have time to rejuvenate and repair. Hot tubs can play a major role in promoting better sleep patterns. The relaxation induced by warm water and hydrotherapy can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing for more restful sleep.

Working Hot Tub Therapy into Your Routine

Now that you understand how hot tubs help sore muscles, here are some tips for making hot tub therapy part of your routine.

1. Consistency is Key

To experience the full benefits, make hot tub therapy a consistent part of your wellness routine. Regular sessions can help prevent muscle soreness and promote ongoing relaxation.

2. Stay Hydrated

It's crucial to stay hydrated, especially when enjoying the warm waters of a hot tub. Drinking water before, during, and after your soak helps replenish fluids lost through sweating and supports overall health.

3. Don’t Forget to Stress

Enhance the effects of hot tub therapy by incorporating gentle stretching exercises. The warmth of the water makes muscles more pliable, allowing for a more effective stretch and further promoting flexibility. Just make sure not to push yourself too far; your muscles will be looser, so it may be easier to overextend yourself. 

Final Word: Do Hot Tubs Help Sore Muscles?

Hot tubs aren't just a luxury or the life of a party—they're therapeutic sanctuaries capable of relieving sore muscles and enhancing overall well-being. The next time sore muscles threaten to dampen your spirits, consider taking a soak in the healing waters of a hot tub. 

If you’re on the hunt for a hot tub to up your holistic healthcare game, Wellis® can help. Check out our hot tub dealer locator, explore online shopping options, or get in touch with Wellis® Spa at  844-4-WELLIS. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you find the hot tub of your dreams—and your muscles will thank you!