Showers don't work, and here's why

A Massage Therapist's observation

Showers are quick and easy and will get you squeaky clean. You can even transport your bathroom to a rainforest or buy a showerhead with ten power settings. But if you are looking to relieve muscle aches and pains, then a shower is not the way to go.

If you want to relieve muscle aches and pains, a shower is not the way.

A lot of people try to find relief in the shower. The water does feel good beating on your back, but it does nothing for the rest of your body. If your goal is getting muscular relief, standing up is not the answer. While taking a shower, your muscles are still working - your abs, lower and upper back, quads and hamstrings, and tired feet are all working hard to stand you up. As a result, your muscle tension doesn't get released.

There are a number of reasons why we lie down when we sleep. In the laid position, our muscles do not have to work, and we can achieve a more relaxed state. It is also your body's "repair time." Sleep is when your body does its "systems check." And these days, we aren't getting the proper rest, along with our stressful lives and hectic schedules; having some time set aside for repair time is needed more than ever. So getting into the tub is the next best thing.

A soak is not just a soak.

Showers don't work and here is why. Soaking is not just about getting clean or a bubble bath to take you away. By the way, both are very important too. But I want people to think of it as a tool in their arsenal to add to their wellness routine. Soaking feels good because it is physically good for you. There are a lot of positive things happening to your body. The build-up of muscular tightness and tension causes real problems. A hot soak can cause muscles to decrease neurological activity and reduce muscle tightness. When your muscles are in a more relaxed state, they also benefit from improvements in circulation, tissue metabolism, lymphatic fluid movement, and connective tissue pliability.

For 20 years, I have recommended Soaking Therapy to my clients as a weekly routine. All the week's physical and mental stress needs to be released. A 20-25 minute soak at the end of your week can make all the difference.

But wait, is soaking for everyone?

You must be careful because heat can aggravate some conditions. Some examples like if you have a recent injury, an inflammatory condition (especially in an inflammatory phase), pregnancy, broken or irritated skin, impaired sensation, edema, and thrombophlebitis. So always use caution and speak to your doctor to determine when or if soaking is proper for you.

When I suggest a hot soak for my clients, I'm not always met with enthusiasm.

Here are some of the concerns I have heard over the years:

For real relief, get out of the shower and into the tub.

Client: "I don't have the time. Showers are faster."

Me: If you are looking for true relief, you will get better results by taking that same 15 min shower time and putting it towards soaking in a tub. A hot soak in the tub will give your body time to relax and repair your tired, achy muscles. The benefits you'll receive will be worth it.

Client: "What do I put in the tub?"

Me: It's all about you and whatever would relax you most. If you want to use a type of bath salt, great. If you want to use nothing but hot water, that's great too. The most important thing is that you make the time and do it.

Client: "I don't have a tub." "I got rid of my tub," "My tub is too small."

Me: This truly breaks my heart to hear when people don't have one. Try your local gyms or spas. Some have a Hot Tub or Suana, which you may not be able to use weekly, but how about once a month?

Client: "I'm too tall for my tub."

Me: You do not have to submerge your whole body to get the benefits. You can sit in your tub, dunk a towel in hot water, then wrap it behind your back and over your shoulders. Half your body is better than none of your body. Your lower back, glutes, quad/hamstrings, calves, and feet will thank you.

Client: "I hate cleaning the tub. It's not worth it."

Me: I know cleaning the tub sucks, but you are doing something to improve your body, and is that not worth it?

It's not about finding the time, it's about making the time.

Finding the time is almost impossible, I know. But if we can find the time for our jobs and for everyone else, we must find the time for ourselves. Back in our grandparent's time, people

Soaking is the answer to your aches and pains.

took baths. After a long day of work, they took a bath and felt better. They might not have been able to tell you the phyisology and why their body felt better. They knew it benefited them, and they could have a good night's rest. But then life got faster. We lost the importance of time for ourselves, and showers became the quick fix. We somehow convinced ourselves that showering did more than just clean our bodies. Well, I am sorry to say it doesn't.

It's time to relax, repair, and reset. Let's get back to bath time.

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