Decrease Inflammation & Ease Stress With These Hydrotherapy Hot Tubs

Soak in these healing benefits.

Yes, a long hot tub soak is undoubtedly relaxing—but the benefits don't end there. The best hydrotherapy hot tubs help with post-workout recovery, stress management, and detoxification. The really good news? Having a hydrotherapy hot tub of your own is more accessible than you may think.

We consulted the experts to learn what sets hydrotherapy hot tubs apart from other therapeutic treatments and how to pick out the right one for you. Plus, we analyzed a *ton* of options and compiled a list of the best hydrotherapy hot tubs out there so you can bring the spa to your own backyard.

What is a hydrotherapy hot tub?

Hydrotherapy, or the use of water for therapeutic treatments, is a centuries-old technique used to aid a wide variety of ailments. However, it's also backed in science: A 2016 review1 of 100+ studies found that hydrotherapy can be used to help with pain management, though further information is needed to understand how it can help with specific diseases. After all, hydrotherapy refers to any water-based treatment, regardless of temperature. That means steam, wave, and ice all count as hydrotherapy—including a cold plunge tub.

While hydrotherapy can technically take place in water of any temperature (or by taking a hot bath in your tub), hot tub hydrotherapy is one of the most popular options—and it has quite a few added benefits. The main difference? The jets.

"Hydrotherapy conducted in hot tubs uses powerful jets of warm water to offer a variety of health benefits," explains Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia. "The jets shoot warm water and air to massage different parts of the body like the neck, shoulders, lumbar, legs, and feet. This combination of hydromassage, heat, and immersion reduces muscle tension and repairs damage to areas that need healing by increasing blood circulation."

Benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy.

Powerful jets, in combination with controlled heat, are beneficial for a slew of ailments. While this list is by no means exhaustive, these are just a few expert- and research-backed advantages of hot tub hydrotherapy.

Injury recovery & improved circulation

"A hot tub can be an excellent adjunct for recovery from injury and relief from pain," explains Cameron Yuen, DPT, CSCS, and director of rehab and training at Bespoke Treatments Physical Therapy in New York City. "Heat causes the dilation of blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow throughout the body, especially in the periphery. This is where most injuries occur and where aches and pain tend to linger, so improved blood flow to the area can be very beneficial."

Relief from muscle & joint pain

Hot tub hydrotherapy may go beyond helping with temporary aches and pains. A collection of studies from 2000 to 2019 found that therapy using warm water had significant positive effects on people with chronic musculoskeletal or connective tissue diseases2. "The increased blood flow from heat helps muscles recover, prevents stiffness, and promotes joint homeostasis," adds Bonney.

Stress relief

Regardless of temperature, research has shown aquatic exercise to be an impactful tool for improving mental health3. Yuen says that adding some heat to the equation can trigger a physiologic switch, putting the body in a better position to heal and rest.

"Warm water massage helps to stimulate the release of endorphins that reduce stress," agrees Bonney. "And in addition to stress reduction, hot tub hydrotherapy can dilate blood vessels and improve circulation to help prevent headaches."

Better sleep

If timed correctly, the relaxation benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy could help you drift off to sleep. "Many patients [who use hot tubs] endorse improvement in deep, restorative sleep," says Bonney. Studies align with this, showing that older adults who took a hot bath before bedtime fell asleep quicker4.

Weight loss & GI management

While it's not a one-way ticket to weight loss, one 2019 study found that incorporating spa therapy into a weight management program had a positive effect on obese and overweight patients5. In addition to stimulating weight loss, Bonney adds that using heat to increase blood flow to the GI tract can help with chronic bowel issues like constipation.

Reduced inflammation

If an anti-inflammatory response is your goal, you may consider pairing a hot tub with a cold plunge. "Hot tub hydrotherapy alternating with a cold plunge is a powerful method to detox and lower overall inflammation," says Bonney. "It's one of my go to biohacks, to help optimize body function." If you're ready to go all in, we have a few suggestions for at-home cold plunge tubs (plus, a mindbodygreen community discount).

Diabetes management

One recent study from 2022 found that habitual hot tub use was associated with slight improvements in glucose levels, obesity, and diastolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes6.

Types of hydrotherapy hot tubs and how to choose.

If you're on the hunt for your perfect at-home hydrotherapy hot tub, there are two main types to choose between and a few key factors to consider with each. Weigh the pros and cons below to decide what's most important to you.

Plug-and-play models
ProsQuick installation
Less expensive with a few different models available under $1,000
Easily portable
ConsTakes longer to heat up
May be less durable over time
No seats or targeted massage features
Less customization options

Hardwired hot tubs
ProsSpa-like tub with seats & targeted massage jets
Optional customization for colors & added features
Longer warranties & customer service
ConsCosts significantly more money, i.e., anywhere between $2,000 to $15,000
Relocating takes significant time & effort
Requires an electrician to set up

How we picked:

Features


We considered the different features available in each device to ensure our picks provide a more therapeutic experience than your average bathtub soak.

Price


From more affordable to splurge-worthy, there's a hydrotherapy hot tub on this list to fit any budget.

Size & design


A hot tub isn't a small item, but we sought out options to fit a variety of spaces. In addition to size, you'll find both plug-and-play (designed for quick setup) and hardwired (more permanent) models on our list.

Reviews


We thoroughly scoured reviews (both the good and the bad) for each of these tubs to ensure they lived up to the hype for the majority of users.

FAQ

What are the side effects of hydrotherapy?

How long should hydrotherapy sessions last?

Who should avoid hot tubs?

The takeaway.


From massage chairs to compression boots, there are plenty of at-home recovery techniques to give your body the TLC it deserves. Still, there's nothing quite like the therapeutic benefits of relaxing in a hot tub, especially one with powerful massaging jets. While it may seem like a luxury, once you've weighed the pros and cons of the different hot tub types, you'll likely find that there's a model that fits your budget and your space.

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