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Hot Tubs and Arthritis

Nearly 50 million Americans have arthritis and the number is expected to grow to almost 70 million by 2030, according to the president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. Some arthritis sufferers combat the condition's effects by soaking in hot tubs. There are many ways that regularly using a hot tub can relieve arthritis pain.

  1. History of Hydrotherapy

    • Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries and by some of the most ancient cultures. Aristotle and Plato used the hot springs at Loutika, near Athens, Greece. The Japanese have used natural hot springs for medical conditions for more than one thousand years, according to Healing Steam. The Romans used heated pools, saunas and steam rooms, and their wellness centers inspired many modern healing facilities.

    Benefits of Hot Tubs

    • Using heat to help with aches and pains is not a new concept. Many doctors recommend regular hot tub use for arthritis patients without other serious medical conditions. The heated water and massaging jets in a hot tub provide muscle relaxation, as well as decreased joint and muscle stiffness and pain. After soaking sore muscles and joints in a hot tub, many arthritis sufferers have an easier time with their daily activities and exercises.

    Types of Hot Tubs

    • While most heated hot tubs will provide pain relief for arthritis sufferers, there are special hot tubs designed specifically for the condition. Most of these hot tubs have adjustable pressure jets to increase or decrease water pressure, as well as jets positioned at joint areas commonly affected by arthritis, such as the knees. Other features of these types of hot tubs include more space or room to move around, as well as easy entryways for people who do not have sufficient mobility to climb in and out of the hot tubs.

    Exercising

    • Many people with arthritis perform exercises in their hot tubs. The warm water typically loosens up the muscles, rather than the tightening of muscles which occurs in cold water. The hot tub water also raises the exerciser's temperature, which usually causes increased blood circulation. The buoyancy of the immersed exerciser prevents strain on joints and injuries, and the water may also act as a resistant. Most hot tub exercises include arm circles, kicking in place and stretching in the water.

    Precautions

    • Hot tubs are not safe for everyone. For example, if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or a skin disease, the heat and chemicals may irritate the condition. Hot tubs should never be used after you drink alcohol or take certain medications. The temperatures in some hot tubs may be too hot, and many people feel nauseated or dizzy.

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