Preparing for Hydrotherapy: Health Conditions and Medicines to Mention

Who Sources Say to Check With a Doctor First

• are elderly,
• have heart disease, diabetes or high or low blood pressure,
• are taking medication for cardiovascular or nerve disorders,
• are pregnant. [2]

An Interior Health poster lists age and pregnancy too. [3] The NHS says to check on children, older people and people with long-term health conditions in hot weather, as heat affects them. [4]

Conditions and Situations to Mention

Pregnancy. HealthLink BC gives a lower hot tub limit if you are pregnant. [6] A review said hot tub or spa use may raise core body temperature to risky levels in early pregnancy, with a threshold of 2 degrees C above baseline discussed. [7] A hospital leaflet asks patients to say if they are pregnant or trying to be. [8] See hot tubs, saunas and baths in pregnancy.

Diabetes, nerve problems and reduced feeling. Fraser Health lists diabetes and nerve disorder medicines among reasons to consult. [2] See hydrotherapy with diabetes, neuropathy and reduced sensation.

Infections, wounds and fever. One hospital leaflet lists new chest pain or angina, high temperature or fever and infections of wounds, skin, chest or urinary tract. [9] Another says to tell staff about open wounds and not to wear plasters in the pool. [8]

Older age. A review of older Japanese bathers proposes that older adults may not perceive the water as too hot and may bathe for long periods, risking overheating. [10] See hydrotherapy for older adults.

Epilepsy and other conditions. We did not read a source for these in this group of pages; see epilepsy, seizures and water safety.

Medicines to Mention

• Blood pressure medicines. A Finnish review said that apart from blood pressure medicine, medication in general was of no concern during sauna bathing, and blood pressure medicine may predispose to dizziness on standing after bathing. [11]
• Beta-blockers. A 2026 review said a few small studies suggested larger blood pressure drops in beta-blocker users, and that safety margins in these users remain insufficiently defined. [12]
• Any medicine that can lower blood pressure. The NHS lists some medicines among causes of low blood pressure. [13]
• Sedatives, alcohol and drugs. HealthLink BC says alcohol and some drugs cause drowsiness and lower resistance to overheating. [6] See hydrotherapy and medicines.

Before Your Visit

• Write down your conditions, medicines, supplements and allergies, and say if you are pregnant or may be.
• Ask the service what they screen for. One NHS hospital describes an introductory talk with an assistant before the session. [8]
• Ask about water testing; one hospital tests its pool for chlorine and pH before each session. [9]
• Be ready to cancel on days you are unwell; see when not to use a hot tub, sauna or cold water today.

For what to expect, see your first aquatic therapy or spa session.