April 9th, 2019 – Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is quite a staggering affliction. PTSD occurs when people either experience or witness a traumatic event that results in intense thoughts and feelings related to it long after it’s happened. Natural disasters, serious accidents, exposure to battle in war or combat, terrorist acts, and rape or other violent personal assaults can all trigger PTSD. A whopping 13 million in the U.S. have PTSD at any given time, and 10-31% of vets come back from war with the affliction. Truly sobering numbers.

PTSD sufferers experience not only the mental aspects of the disorder, they can also realize physical issues. Chronic pain and muscle and joint pain are often reported complaints from patients. The constant anxiety creates muscle tightening and the feeling of needing to be hypervigilant can also wear on the body.

Hydrotherapy has been identified as a terrific natural way to help PTSD patients manage the condition. Immersion in hot water helps with relaxation, aiding in pain relief. The buoyancy takes pressure off muscles, increases circulation and helps with flexibility.

It’s certainly wonderful to help with the mental and emotional issues that often accompany the disorder, too. The hot water and ability to float weightless helps many feel relaxed and calm, similar to the positive effects experienced with yoga. The other bonus is the decreased production of the stress hormone cortisol, while improving serotonin levels! Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that encourages a positive “feel good” response.

While it can help with physical and mental healing, hot tubbing can also assist with emotional healing. Personal relationships with friends or loved ones often become strained due to the incredible stress PTSD patients endure as they struggle to recover a sense of normalcy. Getting a chance to hot tub with a friend or loved one, relax, talk or just enjoy the silence can be invaluable—both to the PTSD sufferer and the companion who may also have their own emotional weight and stress to manage. It can be hard for another human being in your circle to see someone they care about go through the affects of the disorder. Getting a chance to spend time in a safe healing environment like a hot tub can be a terrific boost for everyone!

If you or someone you know suffer from PTSD, think about ways to incorporate hot water bathing or hot tubbing into your regimen. It could give your management and recovery the ultimate buoyant boost you need!