Is a Hot Tub Good for Arthritis Pain?

Endless benefits come with using a hot tub, and relief from arthritis pain is one of the most significant. But how does it work, and what are some of the other notable benefits of using a hot tub? Below, we’ll provide you with what you need to know. 

How Hot Tub Therapy Works for Arthritis Pain

Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians experiences arthritis pain? With the joint inflammation that comes with arthritis, many people will experience swelling, pain and stiffness. In some cases, this can result in reduced mobility which not only makes exercising more difficult, but daily life, too. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can cause pain throughout one’s body as a result of a person’s immune system attacking their joints mistakenly. Fortunately, studies have found that spending time in the warm water of a hot tub can decrease the related symptoms of arthritis and improve the overall quality of life for many as a result. In fact, one controlled study examined two groups of individuals with severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis over the span of two weeks. After regularly spending time in a hot tub over that time, both groups reported having less pain, tension and tenderness of joints. 

Immersed in warm water creates hydrostatic pressure, reducing joint inflammation within the body. As a result, joints become looser, reducing pain and improving mobility. Whether you would like to start your day with a quick dip in the warm water of a hot tub or end it off this way, spending a little bit of time every day has proven to help many with the related symptoms and pain they experience. One thing to keep in mind when it comes to taking a dip in your hot tub, is the appropriate temperature to set it to. For example, keeping it around or below100 degrees is ideal, so you can still reap the benefits without becoming too hot. Also, because people with arthritis are already dealing with pain and stiffness, it’s best to try some gentle stretching when in the water. The buoyancy of the water reduces pressure off your joints, which will help you feel more flexible long after you leave the hot tub. 

Adding some simple exercises can also help. Since the symptoms and pain that comes with arthritis will vary for each person, it’s best to find whatever level of exercise you’re most comfortable at. By performing exercises in the water rather than on land, you are already helping your body do so in a low-impact way because of the buoyancy of the water. Water aerobics are excellent for those with arthritis. 

Other Hot Tub Health Benefits 

In addition to helping those suffering from arthritis pain, hot tubs also provide many benefits for all others who use them too. As previously stated, the hot water reduces joints’ inflammation, improving mobility. This is also beneficial for those who have experienced an injury or for elderly individuals. 

The warm water and the jets of a hot tub also have been known to reduce anxiety and stress. Because they are a relaxing environment overall, this might not come as much of a surprise. But did you know hot tubs can also improve sleep? By using a hot tub regularly, many people have found that they are not only able to fall asleep quicker but stay asleep for longer. 

The massage jets of a hot tub, of course, play a large role in several benefits on the list. Relief from back pain is a big one. Regardless of where you may experience pain in your back, using the massage jets of a hot tub will likely help ease your pain. With Hydropool’s range of jet placements and settings, you can be sure you’re getting a targeted, effective massage every time. If you’d like to learn more about this jet technology, you can contact a local hot tub dealer in your area. In addition to the physical benefits of using a hot tub, there are numerous mental health benefits. Overall, spending some time in a hot tub every day improves overall wellness and can benefit everyone in some way.  

Countless benefits come with using a hot tub, and arthritis pain relief is a significant one. To learn about choosing the right hot tub for you and your home, download our free buyer’s guide.