If you are one of the 54 million people in the United States to suffer from arthritis, you’ve likely looked into numerous forms of pain relief. One of the best natural ways to treat joint pain and stiffness can be found right in your backyard: your hot tub.
What is Hot Tub Hydrotherapy?
Hot tub hydrotherapy, also known as warm water immersion, is one of the most popular natural ways to treat arthritis symptoms.
In fact, the Arthritis Foundation has called hydrotherapy one of the most effective ways to treat any injury or disorder that impacts joints, muscles, nerves, tendons, cartilage and spinal discs.
Hot tub hydrotherapy offers far more than warm water immersion, however. The jet massage provided by your spa is also very therapeutic and has been associated with improvements in pain, stiffness, flexibility and overall joint function.
The Benefits of Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
The water of your spa reduces the force of gravity that compresses achy joints. The water’s buoyancy gives support to tense and sore limbs while the heat and massage strengthens blood flow to injured areas. Improved blood circulation can relieve muscle spasms and reduce swelling and inflammation.
You can also expect the positive results of hot tub hydrotherapy to last beyond your actual immersion time. According to a leading expert in the field, anyone who soaks in their spa for 20 minutes daily can reap prolonged pain relief.
How to Maximize Your Results
To get the most out of your hot tub hydrotherapy sessions, keep these helpful tips in mind:
Keep the Temperature Moderate
Experts recommend setting the temperature of your hot tub at around 100 degrees. While the maximum temperature for anyone using a hot tub is 104 degrees, studies have show that warm rather than hot water is most beneficial to those with arthritis.
Add Stretches to Your Spa Time
As the warmth of the water warms your muscles and increases blood flow to your joints, you’ll enjoy a greater range of motion. And that makes it an ideal time for stretching. Ankle circles, leg extensions, arm circles, shoulder rolls and reaching toward your toes can help relieve tension.
When done regularly over time, stretching can increase your flexibility and improve mobility.
Be Mindful
When you live with chronic pain it can be pretty easy to give into negative thinking and even depression. To combat that, why not use your spa time to try some basic meditation techniques?
Begin by relaxing the mind and body and then let go of stress and pessimism by thinking positive thoughts. Being mindful can help disrupt the cycle of negativity that pain can cause.
Try Aromatherapy
Like hydrotherapy, aromatherapy is an ancient treatment that is still effective today. Also known as essential oil therapy, it works well with hydrotherapy in promoting relaxation and relieving the tension and stress caused by pain.
One of the best essential oils for arthritis is peppermint because it can quicken circulation, bringing blood more quickly to sore muscles and joints. Lemon, lemongrass and chamomile are also excellent choices thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Be sure to check with your local dealer about which products are compatible with your spa’s water care system before making a purchase.
Paradise Valley Spas
If you’re ready to enjoy all of the benefits hot tub hydrotherapy has to offer, come visit us at Paradise Valley Spas. In business since 1986, we have eight locations in the Bay Area.
With only the highest quality products in our showroom, you can rest assured that each and every hot tub for sale will give you years of relaxation and enjoyment.
Our hot tub cleaning service and hot tub repair operation is second to none and will keep your spa in tip-top shape. If you have any questions, we’d be happy to help.
You can contact us here or drop in at any of our showrooms to speak to someone in person.
