Hydrothermal Treatment for Arthritis

Hydrothermal treatment for arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, is the use of warm water (sometimes alternating between warm and cold) to treat the symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness, according to MayoClinic.com. Rheumatoid arthritis, the less common form of the disease, is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects mostly the small joints in the hands and feet, whereas osteoarthritis wears down cartilage in the larger joints over time.

Hydrotherapy Pool

• A hydrotherapy pool is filled with warm water and used for soaking or for performing certain range of movement and strengthening exercises.

Immersion Bath

• With an immersion bath, you place a specific body part in either warm or cold water. For both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, cold is used to decrease inflammation, whereas heat is used to relieve pain and stiffness.

Hot Compress

• A hot compress is a heated, moist towel or a hot pack applied to a specific body part. The compress may be wrapped around the body part or placed on top of it.

Whirlpool and Hot Tub

• Whirlpools and hot tubs, with jets, provide pressure or bubbles to soothe sore joints and pressure points. These can also stimulate circulation.

Sauna or Steam Bath

• A sauna is dry heat, whereas a steam bath is moist heat. Both can be used to eliminate toxins and are effective for chronic rheumatoid arthritis, says the Henry Spink Foundation. If arthritis pain is new, avoid this type of treatment.

Considerations

• Talk to your doctor before trying hydrotherapy to be sure it will be effective for your arthritis type. Avoid immersing your whole body for immersion baths. Limit your hydrotherapy treatment time so you do not become overheated.