What is a Hydro Massage?
Massage therapy is a centuries-old practice, but throughout history, it has evolved to include a variety of techniques. There are so many types of massage today, but one type that has been getting a lot of attention is hydro massage.
What is a hydro massage? What benefits does it offer, and does it really work to alleviate tension and pain? Let's explore this form of massage therapy, which dates back to ancient Rome.
What is a Hydro Massage?
As you may have guessed, hydro massage incorporates water into the massage process. This therapeutic technique uses water and pressurized jets to massage muscles.
You may also see this type of massage go by other names:
- Aqua massage
- Aqua therapy
- Water therapy
- Hydrotherapy
Hydro massage can be performed in a few different ways. Traditionally, this type of massage is performed in a pool equipped with special jets that can be adjusted to your preference.
But there’s also another option called dry hydro massage, which is the more popular choice. A dry hydro massage can be performed on a table, or you can also find massage chairs with this function.
Rather than being immersed in water, you lay or sit on a water-filled mattress. Strategically placed jets apply gentle heat and pressure to your muscles to help alleviate tension.
Dry hydro massage tables and chairs also have built-in:
- Thermostats that allow you to control the temperature to your liking
- Controls that allow you to direct the jets to specific parts of your body
- Options for adjusting the intensity and speed of the water
The idea of hydro massage is appealing, but does it actually work?
Do Hydro Massages Work?
Because hydro massage uses water and jets – not conventional massage techniques – you may be wondering whether it really works.
The answer is clear: yes.
Water therapy does work. The gentle pressure and heat applied by the water jets help relax your body and melt away tension.
Although hydro massage is an unconventional option for massage therapy, it does offer many of the same benefits as methods you’re familiar with, like deep tissue, Swedish and hot stone massage.
Hydro Massage Benefits
Hydro massage has been shown to alleviate pain and soreness associated with vigorous exercise and certain medical conditions. In fact, this type of massage offers many of the same benefits as traditional massage, including:
Stress Relief and Elevated Mood
One of the most well-known and biggest benefits of massage therapy is stress relief. A full body massage can help you slip into a more relaxed state.
But it can also help lift your mood. Studies have found that hydro massage can help ease pain and improve mood for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Not surprisingly, this benefit can also be found with acupressure massage, a feature found on our newest Super Novo X massage chair and many other models in our massage chair line-up.
Pain Relief
We’ve already seen that hydro massage can help ease pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis, but this condition isn’t the only one that can benefit from this type of massage therapy.
In general, hydro massage is effective at alleviating pain. A 2019 study found that massage therapy can help ease lower back pain.
Improved Circulation
Like other forms of massage therapy, hydro massage can help improve circulation. Improved circulation supports heart health and exercise performance and helps your body deliver nutrients more effectively.
According to Aetna, dry hydrotherapy has been shown to improve circulatory and lymphatic systems. Other studies have shown that traditional cold water hydro massage can increase blood flow.
Improved Exercise Recovery
Exercise is crucial to maintaining your physical and mental health, but recovery can be uncomfortable or downright painful.
After a workout, lactic acid builds up in your muscles. That build-up causes soreness and pain.
Hydro massage can help ease that pain and support the recovery process.
It's no wonder gyms across the world offer hydro massage chairs and tables to help members alleviate post-workout aches and pains.
Immune Health Support
Hydro massage may even help support your immune health. One clinical study found that cold-water therapy helped reduce instances of lower respiratory tract infections in young children.
A cold hydro massage may offer the same benefits.
Contact-Free Massage
Although massage therapy offers many advantages, some people are uncomfortable having another person touch them. Dry hydro massage, like a good massage chair, offers a great alternative to a conventional massage performed by a therapist.
Hydro Massage May Not Be for Everyone
Although the benefits are clear, it’s important to note that hydro massage may not be a good fit for everyone.
Potential side effects can include:
- Bruises
- Nerve injuries (not common)
- Worsening skin rashes
- Burns if the water is too hot
If you find that hydro massage is not a good fit for you, there are many other types of massage and methods that can help support your health and wellness, including massage chairs that use air and heat to relax your muscles and ease pain.