Walk-In Bathtubs Can Help Seniors With Chronic Inflammation

Wil Thomas
Wil Thomas
Editor at Seniors Bulletin
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Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury, infection, or irritation. It is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and heat in the affected area. It can be caused by general fatigue and illness, or it can be caused by a medical condition. Arthritis, for example, can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. If inflammation is present for a long period of time, it can lead to chronic inflammation. People with arthritis seek benefits from a walk-in bathtub to help relieve the pain caused by inflammation of their joints.

Highlights

  • Inflammation and Aging: Aging processes increase inflammation risks due to health conditions, lifestyle, and hormonal changes.
  • These tubs aid inflammation by increasing blood flow, reducing pressure on joints, and providing relaxation.
  • While beneficial, walk-in tubs may be costly and require space, posing challenges for some users.

Inflammation and Aging

As humans age, their bodies undergo several changes in the aging process that increase the probability of inflammation. Seniors may experience inflammation due to various reasons such as chronic health conditions (like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and cardiovascular disease), weakened immune system, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking, medications that may cause an inflammatory response as a side effect, increased exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, and hormonal changes that occur with age (such as declining estrogen levels in women) or age related diseases (such as osteoarthritis). It is essential for seniors to work with their healthcare provider to manage any chronic health conditions and make lifestyle changes that can help reduce inflammation, including any long term chronic inflammation.

Walk-in Bathtubs Can Help With Chronic Inflammation

A walk-in bathtub can help with inflammation and chronic inflammation in a few ways. First, the warm water in the tub can help to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The water also provides buoyancy, which can help to reduce pressure on joints and muscles, making it easier to move and reducing pain and inflammation.

Some walk-in bathtubs are equipped with features such as massage jets and aromatherapy, which can provide additional benefits for inflammation. Massage can help to increase blood flow and promote relaxation, while aromatherapy can provide natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

A walk-in bathtub is a type of bathtub that is designed to make it easier and safer for individuals with mobility issues to bathe. It features a door on the side of the tub that opens inward, allowing the bather to step in and out of the tub safely without having to climb over the high walls of a traditional bathtub.

Some features of a walk-in bathtub that can help with inflammation and chronic inflammation include:

  1. Low step-in height
    The step-in height of a walk-in bathtub is typically only a few inches high, making it easier and less painful for individuals with joint pain, inflammation or other age related diseases, to get in and out of the tub.
  2. Non-slip surfaces
    Most walk-in bathtubs feature non-slip surfaces on the floor and seating area, reducing the risk of slips and falls and providing a stable surface for individuals with inflammation to sit and relax.
  3. Built-in seats
    Walk-in bathtubs often feature built-in seats that allow individuals to sit comfortably while bathing, reducing the strain on their joints and muscles.
  4. Hydrotherapy jets
    Many walk-in bathtubs come equipped with hydrotherapy jets that provide a gentle massage to the body. This can help to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.
  5. Warm water therapy:
    The warm water in a walk-in bathtub can help to increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce inflammation, and soothe sore muscles.

The features of a walk-in bathtub can be beneficial for individuals with inflammation, making it easier and more comfortable for them to bathe while also promoting relaxation and reducing pain.

Advantages Of A Walk-In Bathtub For Age Related Inflammation

  • Warm water can help to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Buoyancy can reduce pressure on joints and muscles, making it easier to move and reducing pain and inflammation.
  • Massage jets can provide additional relief by increasing blood flow and promoting relaxation.
  • Aromatherapy can provide natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
  • Easy to use and can be installed in most bathrooms.

Some Concerns And Considerations

  • Walk-in bathtubs can be expensive to purchase and install.
  • They take up more space than a regular bathtub and may require additional modifications to the bathroom.
  • Some people may have difficulty getting in and out of the tub, even with the door and step-in feature.
  • Walk-in bathtubs may not be covered by insurance or Medicare, making them an expensive out-of-pocket expense.
  • Some walk-in bathtubs may not have enough water depth or be long enough for taller individuals to fully submerge.
  • It’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and speak with a healthcare provider before deciding if a walk-in bathtub is the right option for managing inflammation.

Walk-In Bathtubs Can Help Reduce The Pain Of Inflammation

A walk-in bathtub can be a helpful tool for managing inflammation, especially for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic pain conditions. Age related diseased and chronic inflammation can be detrimental to ones lifestyle and mobility. It can be beneficial to seek some relief with a walk-in bathtub. Speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen, including the use of a walk-in bathtub.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the providers being reviewed. The providers and SeniorsBulletin assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness and without any warranties of any kind whatsoever, express or implied.
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