United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was looking for input from adults that have spas at home regarding the benefits. We are trying to get some help getting a spa for our daughter who has a BPI and I thought that it would be helpful if I got input from adults who can express the benefits. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Julie

I love my hot tub therapy spa. It has truly helped to maintain my range of motion, such as it is, and helped to decrease some pain issues.

We put in the Spa last June just as I finished by third year of PT. Each year I used up my thirty visits for various reasons all related to OBPI and secondary injuries. I have not had to go to PT in the past year. I do ROM in the tub on a regular basis and also use it to relax the muscles in my neck that are so tight from compensation.

I checked into PT's for Aqua therapy I found the pools nearby was not heated to at least 90 degrees they were only in the 80's due to aerobic classes.

I used a local business hotels hot tub for one winter and that was what convinced me to check into hot tub.

Of course NANCY really helped me to make my decision thanks Nancy.

The following were major issues, for me, when using a local hotel
The huge amount of chemicals used to maintain it (this tub was immaculate).
It took days to get the smell off my skin and it irritated my skin because I am so fair.
I had to drive in bad weather and leave the hotel while still overheated from the tub.
I had to wait for the tub to be empty to do my range of motion and stretch.
It was not comfortable for me it seemed just as I got started to exercise a group would come in and then I left.

The tub is now on my deck and has as many jets as I could find in a tub. I used it all winter (that is after Ralph shoveled the path for me to the tub) I do not use chlorine and it is better for my skin. I used it several times after banging my arm etc and the jets are great for massage.

I think it was well worth the investment on our part. PT is so limited on my insurance and this seemed to lessen my needs for formal PT. I almost forgot aqua therapy would use up my PT visits very quickly. I would rather save them for serious medical needs.I am so happy we made this investment.
KathM

Nancy??? Any additional input?

Oops sorry, it has been a very busy weekend!

Yes I love my hot tub and I also have a infrared sauna for when I can't use the tub (due to Ohio weather).

The tub loosens up those joints and I do some exercises in the water and also stretches after I get out. And it feels good too!

I keep the temp at 102 to 103, I guess I like it hot.

I bought one that has lots of jets including neck jets. These really help with any pain issues I might be having.

Nancy

Nancy & Kathleen, WOW I never thought of trying to get use of a hot tub! I'm an apartment person and will always be,but I can look around for a facility that has both a pool and a hot tub! Thanks, that be cheaper than paying for massages...
Love & stuff,
Carolyn J

I have been doing aqua therapy and it has been great. The pool there is kept at 103 degrees. I also do some exersises in the pool at my gym as well as stretching and relaxing in the hot tub. I think its great!!!

Court TBPI!

Court

I love that 103 in the snow... LOL... in the summer I have to lower the heat.

Carolyn
Check out the nearest business hotel. It seems as if they have very low usage in their pool areas during the week with the business crowd and many allow membership for seniors and the people in their area. I used a Hilton Hotel when I started... and it was a little over $200 I forget the exact figure for the year for both of us.

Kath

Kath,
Thanks for the hotel tip...I'm going to look into it.
I hope your gay is a great one. Kiss Grace for me;Is she at home yet?
Carolyn

Kath, correction too, it is suppose to read "I hope your day is a great one" Yes,bpi does do typos!!LOL too
Carolyn

LOL... I call it bpi studder... sometimes my mind and my fingers are not working together... LOL...

No Grace is to young yet to be released from NICU. She still has a feeding tube until she learns to nurse or take a bottle and breath at the same time... its a long slow process with these tiny ones but she has gained weight and is moving along... she is 4 lb. 13 oz... and 34 days old... we are hoping she will be home by the end of June.. her sister was delivered at 27 weeks and turned 3 today and she is a miracle... but then again all babies are.
Kath