HOT TUBS DESIGNED FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS
Langley, British Columbia
Vancouver Sun Article - January 2004 Hot tubs designed for arthritis sufferers
Patients, physiotherapists had input
Don Elkington’s Langley based company produces elaborate hot tubs with flat-screen TVs, surround sound and even Internet browsing while soaking up the good life.
But Elkington thought it was ironic that an industry that tout the healing properties of hydrotherapy was building products arthritic consumers couldn’t even climb into, so he directed his research and development crew at Coast Spas Manufacturing Inc. to ask arthritis sufferers what they needed.
The result, to be unveiled today at an international meeting of retailers and distributors, is an $11,000 (suggested retail price) hot tub that’s easily accessible and comes complete with stations for aqua-exercises.
The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC), based in Vancouver, along with affected patients, had input on the design of the Wellness Spa manufactured by Coast Spas, as did physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
