One of the oldest ways known to man to relieve aches and pains is one of today’s most luxurious and coveted amenities. In ancient times, the Romans named it the caldarium;
we simply call it the hot tub.

Nowadays, hot tubs are a must have at any swanky hotel; tubs moulded to your body shape, full of warm bubbling water waiting to relax stressed out city dwellers. Hot tubs have become hotel centre pieces – the deal clincher, in an over crowded accommodation market place.

But beyond the allure of the bubbling cauldron of relaxation, hot tubs still have a more fundamental use – hydrotherapy. You see the Romans were quick to cotton on to the healing properties of water. They built cities around thermal spas (think Bath Spa) and they added salts and minerals to the water to improve their health.

Fast forward to the 21^st century and hydrotherapy is now widely used to relieve stress on the joints and to reduce swelling resulting from an injury. Hydrotherapy also helps to improve balance and coordination, often speeding up the recovery process. Being supported by water helps people with injuries to feel more confident during their  rehabilitation and they are generally less afraid to push themselves in water (which provides a natural resistance) as opposed to back on the land.

So what kind of injuries can hydrotherapy help with? Well, anything really. From a minor walking or skiing injuries to post surgical recovery. The warm water can be used to ease back pain, a strain or arthritis; it can also increase mobility after a fracture has healed.

What’s more, with the aid of physiotherapists, hydrotherapy can provide much needed relief and freedom of movement for wheelchair users and those with serious mobility problems. This means people with serious injuries or people with disabilities, can exercise in a supported environment – improving their mobility in a pain free environment.