Few of us deny the pleasure of relaxing in a hot tub, but more many hot tub owners, their hot tub also offers a break from joint and muscle pain as well as potentially better health. We have all known a situation where a hot tub has been used for rehabilitation. Following are medical benefits that can be derived by using a hot tub:

Joint care-Many physicians and rehabilitation specialists recognize the use of warm water therapy. The National Institutes of Health cite hydrotherapy's ability to relax tense muscles, which can relieve pain and reduce stiffness. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation considers hydrotherapy an important component of therapy. According to the Arthritis Foundation, warm water and massaging jets help muscles to relax, which allows greater flexibility due to increased blood flow.

Fighting lower back pain- Lower back pain affects a high percentage of people. My family has a history of lower back problems. I have escaped "the knife", but I also often have fight back pain. When I do experience back pain, I find great relief by soaking in warm water. Many people with back pain have had pain relief with hot tub use. A recent study, which was reported in Med Care in 1998, seems to prove this. A group of 224 patients with lower back pain were recruited in order to track down an effective treatment. 112 of the patients were treated with hot tub therapy and 112 were not. The researchers examined the patients after three weeks of treatment and again three months after the treatment ended. The examinations focused on flexibility. The patients were also surveyed based on flexibility, quality of life, and pain intensity. Those patients using the hot tub therapy showed significant improvement over those not using hot tub therapy.

Helping diabetes patients-According to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, soaking in hot tubs can help lower high blood sugar levels caused by diabetes. This information seems to be aided by a study conducted by the McKee Medical Centre in Loveland, Colorado. It should be noted that this research is preliminary and further study is continuing on this issue.

It needs to be stated clearly that hot tubs should not be assumed to be acceptable therapy for the above medical conditions and should not replace medical treatments and exercise that is recommended by your personal physician. Although there appears to be some medical benefits to hot tub use, consumers should check with their personal physician before using a hot tub.