Taking A Hot Bath After Surgery

There are a few small things that can help people regain their physical strength and well-being after surgery. Getting a hot bath is one of them. A lot of people prefer getting a hot or warm bath because the heat helps them relax and unwind. But beyond the undeniable relaxation and relief that hot baths provide to a person who has just undergone surgery, hot baths provide a number of other health benefits as well.

Benefits of Hot Baths

1. The warmth of the water helps improve circulation by relaxing the muscles and dilating the blood vessels. A lot of people are so used to stress that they tense their muscles by default throughout the entire day. When the muscles are relaxed, you feel rejuvenated physically and mentally.
2. A 20-minute hot bath helps you lose weight. People who take hot baths daily can lose about 2 kg a month.
3. Hot baths help opens the pores to deeply cleanse the skin. Dead skin cells are also easier to slough off. As a result, your body lotion can penetrate your skin better, thus effectively moisturizing it.
4. If you suffer from the occasional flu, a hot bath can help your body fight off the virus. Just make sure to keep your head and hands cool to avoid a post-bath headache. Hanging a wet and slightly cold towel around your neck will help.

Using Hot Tub After Surgery

Your doctor will never advise you to swim or take a hot bath as long as the incision has gaps. In addition, the heat can potentially soften the scab and create a warm breeding ground for infectious bacteria.

How long you should wait before taking a hot bath depends on the type of your surgery. Those who have undergone minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopic surgery can use a hot tub after at least 2 weeks. Women who have undergone hysterectomy should wait until the 6^th week before considering using hot tubs. Your surgeon should specify the guidelines for your case.

The benefits of taking a hot bath are clear. But how can a hot bath benefit people after surgery?

Suppose that the adequate number of weeks that your surgeon has advised for your recovery has elapsed. A hot bath after surgery can help your body eliminate accumulated traces of drugs in your system. The hot water helps your body’s core to warm up and speed up circulation. The toxins are then released through your sweat. The heat also helps relax the tense muscles around the incision area.

You can also add apple cider vinegar, aluminum-free baking soda, sea salt, and Epsom salts to the bath water to make your bath time more therapeutic.

Regular Hot Tubs or Inflatable Hot Tubs?

A regular hot tub is a great thing to have, but a terribly expensive one. Inflatable hot tubs cost just a fraction of the price of a traditional hot tub, yet they offer nearly the same level of relaxation. It is an economical investment to purchase an inflatable hot tub. They are easier to maintain and available in different sizes, shapes, and depth. They can also be positioned outdoors or on the balcony, or deflated and stored away.

Modern inflatable hot tubs have a built-in heating system so that users can increase or decrease the water temperature. Most inflatable spas have an air-jet massage system, while some also have a real hydromassage system that uses real water-jets. After 15 to 20 minutes of taking a hot bath, you can secure the insulated cover over the inflatable hot tub and activate the water filtration system so the water will be clean for your next bath. The soft padding around inflatable hot tubs exerts less pressure on your back and buttocks. It is also easier to get out of inflatable hot tubs because the padding is not slippery.

A Word of Caution When Taking a Hot Bath:

Despite the benefits, there are some important reminders when taking hot baths, especially after surgery. Here are some points which you should consider:

• Taking a hot bath may or may not increase your blood pressure. If you have any heart condition, it is best to opt for a warm bath instead.
• People sweat during a hot bath. In fact, some people take advantage of this to help them lose weight. But keep in mind that this also causes the body to lose water. Always drink water before and after a hot bath to keep yourself well-hydrated.
• The body isn’t meant to have the same temperature all over. Heat is released through the head, hands, and feet.
• If you’re pregnant, it's best to avoid hot baths, so lower the hot tub temperature.
• Don’t soak yourself in a hot tub for more than 30 minutes. Ideally, you should do only 15 to 20-minute dips.

When done properly, hot baths can be beneficial to your overall well-being. Your body is in a delicate stage a few weeks after surgery. It is better to know what options you have when you decide to take hot baths to help your body recover from the stress of surgery.