Hydrotherapy, sauna and spa treatments

As we age, our relationship with our body tends to evolve. Perhaps our joints are a little stiffer, energy levels are a little lower, we might be a bit more predisposed to injuries. Then again, we might also be a little kinder to ourselves and appreciative of everything our bodies do for us. Either way, rest and recovery matters more than ever, and supporting our bodies with restorative care is both an important part of feeling our best and enjoying meaningful wellbeing.

Spa treatments can be a wonderful way to help feel well in your body, whilst also helping you to switch off mentally. Here’s our guide to hydrotherapy, sauna and spa treatments to help us enjoy our wellbeing as we get older.

Understanding common joint discomfort after 50

Joint discomfort is one of the most commonly reported issues as we age, with many experiencing:

• Stiffness after sitting or sleeping
• Reduced flexibility
• Aching knees, hips, shoulders and lower back
• Muscles that feel tighter or slower to warm up

These sensations are a normal part of ageing for many people, especially if you’ve had an active life or spend long periods sitting at a desk. Spa experiences aren’t about fixing these changes, but about helping your body feel more comfortable, relaxed and supported, as part of a holistic approach to managing your wellbeing.

Hydrotherapy: Gentle support through water

Hydrotherapy pools are amongst the most popular spa features whatever age we are, but as we get older they are particularly soothing for some of the potential issues that come with age. For example:

• Buoyancy: Water helps support your body weight, which can make movement feel easier and more comfortable for joints.
• Warmth: Warm water encourages muscles to relax and helps you feel more relaxed overall.
• Circulation: Gentle movement in water can feel invigorating without being demanding.

Hydrotherapy suites often include warm pools, bubbling jets, lazy rivers or water loungers. You can enjoy them at your own pace, floating, stretching lightly, or simply resting.

Sauna and heat therapy for stiff joints

Heat has long been associated with comfort and relaxation, and spa thermal experiences can feel especially soothing when muscles take longer to unwind.

Sauna for stiff joints

Using a sauna can help you feel warm, calm and deeply relaxed. Many people find that heat encourages muscles to soften, making stiffness feel less noticeable afterwards.

For example, thermal suites might include some or a combination of the following:

• Traditional saunas: Dry heat in traditional saunas is usually hotter and best enjoyed for short periods.
• Infrared saunas: Typically these offer slightly lower temperatures, which are gentler and often preferred for relaxation.
• Steam rooms: Moist heat can feel comforting and easier to breathe in, aiding deep breathing, especially if the spa has added essential oils like eucalyptus.

Different spa treatments and their intensity

Not all spa treatments are the same - while we tend to think of massages and facials as offering rest and relaxation - and they do - some are more geared towards helping you feel invigorated, or targeting particular issues, rather than relaxation itself. The goal is to choose a spa treatment based on the outcome you want to achieve.

For example:

• Hot stone massages are great for a deep but comforting massage that combines heat with slow, flowing movements.
• Aromatherapy massages offer light to medium pressure focused entirely on relaxation.
• Hydrotherapy pool sessions are ideal for floating and gentle movement rather than exercise, to ease joints and prepare for touch treatments.
• Thermal journeys can be intense, but you can also take them at your own pace, alternating between different heat experiences with rest periods in between for detox and relaxation.

Tips for staying comfortable at a spa

A few simple choices can help you maximise your spa experience and get the most out of it:

• Go at quieter times: Early mornings or weekdays tend to be calmer
• Take breaks: Rest between heat experiences rather than rushing
• Stay hydrated: Sip water or herbal teas regularly
• Move carefully: Especially when getting in and out of pools so you don’t slip
• Communicate: Let therapists know your comfort preferences

There’s no right way to enjoy a spa day. Whether you spend hours enjoying facilities or simply float for a little while and relax with a book, it’s all about what you feel you need at that time.

When chosen thoughtfully, these experiences can help you feel lighter, calmer and more at ease, both in your body and your mind, making them a wonderful addition to comfort-focused, wellbeing travel that enhances your lifestyle.