If you are one of the 46 million Americans affected by arthritis, soaking in your Hot Spring spa can help ease your pain. Joint inflammation from arthritis causes swelling, pain and stiffness, often resulting in the loss of joint movement or function. Immersion in warm water produces hydrostatic pressure on the body that results in reduced joint inflammation and increased mobility. The Arthritis Foundation notes, “soothing warmth and buoyancy of warm water makes it a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness.”
Immersing in warm water raises your body temperature, causing your blood vessels to dilate and increasing circulation. This results in less swelling and pain, and increases mobility—a clear benefit for the one in five Americans with arthritis. In fact, soaking in a hot tub may provide gain without pain. A study by Australian researchers, published by the Arthritis Foundation in June 2007, reports “significant improvements in pain and function” in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis—the most common types—who underwent one-hour, twice-weekly hot tub treatments for 12 weeks. Interestingly, the researchers say that the improvements from hot tubbing were similar to those seen in other older OA patients they tracked who practiced a similarly timed regimen of tai chi, the ancient Chinese martial art often recommended to improve flexibility and movement. Spas give you the soothing warm water and buoyancy needed to release tension and improve your quality of life.*
For even more relief, use the Arthritis Foundation’s hot tub tips to gently exercise and practice flexibility as you soak.
The use of hot water or heat is recommended for many people with arthritis but not all. Always consult your physician.
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