Does a spa pool help with arthritis? (Pain relief, exercises and more…)

Hot tubs have a long history of helping people manage arthritic pain. In fact, they were originally created by the Jacuzzi brothers in the 1950s when Candido Jacuzzi's toddler son Ken was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Since then, many people all over the world have benefited from the healing effects of hydrotherapy and spa pools. In this article, we explain how to use a hot tub or spa pool to relieve arthritis and joint inflammation.

Disclaimer: The health information contained in this article is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. If you have any concerns about your current health or wellbeing, please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in one or more joints. It usually gets worse with age and can come in many forms, but the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis include but are not limited to:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• And decreased range of motion.

There are several ways to manage the pain, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, using herbal supplements, and hydrotherapy. One of the easiest and most relaxing ways to alleviate your symptoms is with daily hydrotherapy in a hot tub, whether this is at home or a public swimming pool.

Is a spa pool good for arthritis?

Warm water is well known for helping with arthritis and joint pain. Soaking in warm water is an ideal place to strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. The water can reduce the force of gravity compressing the joint and offer 360-degree support for sore limbs that have a limited range of motion.

The benefits of soaking in a hot tub include, soothing warm water, buoyancy to help with movement and improved flexibility. Those with arthritis can especially benefit from regular warm water therapy use and a spa is a great option for at home pain management.

To make the most of your time in the spa:

• Start with a moderate temperature of 38 degrees and add some gentle stretching to your routine (like ankle and arms circles, leg extension and knee hugs).
• After stretching, try some simple hot tub exercises.
• While using heat therapy, make sure to stay hydrated to stop your muscles from seizing and always keep a bottle of cold water nearby.

Like any new routine, it's best to begin gradually, doing what you are comfortable with on a given day.

How to use hydrotherapy for arthritis?

Hydrotherapy exercises are advocated in the treatment of rheumatoid or osteoarthritis arthritis because of the water properties, particularly those associated with buoyancy, which can help reduce joint loading. Some people find that their symptoms improve when they sit in a spa pool, while others find that moving around in the pool contributes to increased pain relief.

Exercise is important for treating arthritis, as it strengthens and stabilises the joints to prevent further damage. Water therapy is a good option for patients with osteoarthritis of the knees, hip, and spine because it decreases the pressure on the joints.

You can start with some of these exercises:

• Stretching of the hamstrings, low back, upper back, and neck.
• Strengthening exercises, such as using foam barbells that work against the resistance of the water.
• Aerobics, such as water walking, cross-country skiing, or slow jogging to loosen the lower back and hips.

If you are trying hydrotherapy for the first time, always consult a medical professional first to make sure the treatment is right for you.

What type of spa is best for hydrotherapy?

A hydrotherapy spa pool can be a great at-home solution for reducing stiffness or effective pain relief. Whether you are dealing with chronic or acute pain, relaxing in a spa pool can alleviate some of your symptoms.

When looking for a hydrotherapy spa you should focus on:

• Spas with a variety of targeted jets (neck and shoulder jets, lower back massage jets and targeted jets for your legs and feet)
• A variety of seating so you can sit upright or stretch out on a lounger
• A spa with enough space so you can stand and stretch in the middle to help your joint pain

You might like to check out three of our popular hydrotherapy spa pools:

1. The Fisher 5D™

Features 48 spa jets, you’ll enjoy a great hydrotherapy experience at a great price. The twin loungers, shiatsu massage seat plus two cool-down seats offer flexibility for the whole family to enjoy the spa pool.

2. The Vortex Nitro™ Spa

Featuring up to 76 hydrotherapy jets for superior targeted massage, twin loungers, and the famous Vortex™ neck and shoulder collars to target problem areas, rest and recuperation will be on your to-do list.

3. The Jacuzzi^® J-375™

This model encompasses the many desirable features that the Jacuzzi^® brand is famous for. Take a long soak and melt away tension and stress while you savour a rejuvenating massage from the multiple PowerPro^® Jets, HydroSoothe™ no-splash jetted massage pillow.

Summary

If you struggle with stiffness, pain and sore muscles from arthritis, then warm water hydrotherapy might be an excellent option for your pain management. Spas can also be beneficial for people who are looking to reduce stress levels as part of their treatment plan. Additionally, spa therapy is a low-impact activity, so it won’t put additional strain on the joints.

If you don’t have access to a spa pool, many public aquatic centres offer spa pools as well as saunas, which are also great for recovery.

As with any condition, it’s always best to speak with a medical professional first before starting a new type of pain management.

If you are looking for more information on hydrotherapy you can check out our other articles below.