If you are one of the many millions of people that suffer from joint pain and RA Arthritis, you will no doubt be only too aware of the pain that gets you up in the morning and sometimes puts you back in bed at night.
One of the oldest forms of medical treatment for rheumatic diseases such as RA Arthritis and joint pain is hydrotherapy, which is the application of water to relieve aches and pains in the joints.
Nowadays, with the advent of hot tubs and spas, warm hydrotherapy has proven to be both popular and effective for those suffering from RA Arthritis and other joint related illnesses. In fact, many people have been dramatically helped with regular sessions in a hot tub.
A hot tub is a large type of bath filled with heated water and often has water jets fitted, which are used for massage purposes. Hot tubs can be either indoor or outdoor and are used for soaking, water massage, relaxation and hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy massage uses the jets of the hot tub or spa to passively buffet aching muscles. Even though the origin of RA Arthritis pain is within the joints themselves, it is the muscles attached to the bones and moving the joints that will often go into spasm.
The heat and the gentle massage action of the water in the hot tub has the effect of relaxing the spasming, stiff muscles. As those muscles relax, so the pressure on the joint is reduced which in turn relieves the pain within the joints.
Once the muscles are relieved of spasm, gentle water exercise while still in the hot tub can be very beneficial. The buoyancy of the water provides a low impact arena in which to exercise. Blood vessels expand which in turn increases circulation and removes toxins that have built up causing soreness in the muscles.
A soak in the hot tub first thing in the morning together with some water exercise provides a safe and pleasant way to warm up the joints and increase freedom of movement. It also loosens up tight muscles from the previous nights rest. A maximum of thirty minutes in the spa is usually sufficient to get the needed exercise and loosen up the joints.
The end of the evening is ideal for another half hour session in the hot tub when stiffness and pain may again set in. Instead of exercises, though, relaxation and use of the hot tub's jets to passively massage the muscles will ease the body and mind.
This combination of gentle heated water massage and low impact exercises in the hot tub allows the RA Arthritis sufferer to move more freely and with less pain. It improves the remainder of the day or brings ease for the remainder of the night.
It is important that you consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program or hot tub therapy. Depending on your particular situation, the doctor may recommend certain exercises to do or a regular regimen that may differ from others based on your individual needs. The doctor may also recommend the twice daily hot tub sessions be a certain temperature and duration to ensure maximum relief.
For more information on the Health Benefits of Hot Tubs visit Hot Tubs Guide and find out the advantages, disadvantages and safety aspects of owning your own hot tub.
No comments:
Post a Comment