Injuries are a fact of life for most sports stars. Many of them will suffer from work-related injuries, at some point in their careers. Even the biggest names in sports suffer injuries, aches, and pains. You don’t have to be in a strenuous sport either — ping-pong can even cause injuries. Regular stress on the body, not to mention full contact in sports like football, often leads to injuries that can severely impact a sports career. How do the sports stars cope? Hot tubs.
Syracuse football players Robin Anderson and Troy Nunes 2001
It’s not Just a Luxurious Indulgence
You’ve seen the movies and television shows depicting the lifestyle of the successful sports stars, with beautiful homes and tricked-out bathrooms, complete with state-of-the art hot tubs. These are not just luxuries for those who play sports for living – they’re a necessity.
Since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans, the health benefits of hydrotherapy has been well-documented, and many medical studies in modern times have come to the same conclusions.
How It Works
Sure, hot tubs are great for romantic interludes, parties, or to just relax away the stresses of a long day at work. But, for someone who regularly abuses their muscles, tendons, and joints, a hot tub might be the only thing that helps them to get out of bed in the morning. Several medical studies have shown regular use of a hot tub improves circulation, relieves muscle tension and relaxes the body. It also encourages the release of pain-killing endorphins, can help with weight loss, and even help patients with Type 2 Diabetes. No wonder most sports stars have a hot tub in their home!
What Makes a Hot Tub Good for Sports Injuries
As many sports stars have learned, an injury can sideline you for days, weeks, or even months. In the meantime, the rest of your body can suffer from inactivity making it that much more difficult to get back into the swing of things as the injury heals. However, research from the Mayo Clinic has revealed regular use of a hot tub can give some of the same benefits as regular exercise.
How? Well, soaking in a hot tub raises the heart rate without raising the blood pressure. An article from the Mayo Clinic states the use of a hot tub may actually be less stressful on the heart than regular exercise, and another study actually documented significant weight loss by regular hot tub bathers.
For athletes, soaking in a hot tub is also good preventative procedure because it relaxes and loosens the muscles, resulting in a lower risk of injury and improved overall performance. So, the next time you see a famous sports star relaxing in the hot tub, it might not be all for fun and games.