The impact of hydrotherapy on arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that can affect us at any age. It’s an incredibly painful condition that can have a very negative impact on lifestyle and the ability to enjoy, and be active in, life. There are a number of different kinds of arthritis but two of the most common are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. While there is currently no cure for arthritis, the impact it has is usually mitigated with medication or with surgery. But there are other options available – including hydrotherapy.

What is hydrotherapy?

It involves the use of water for pain relief and treatment. It is often physiotherapy based, incorporating exercises and movements that can be done in warm water, such as a hot tub or swim spa. The use of movement tends to be more about rehabilitation and flexibility, as opposed to cardio or exertion. Hydrotherapy can be done in hospitals, schools and gyms and also at home if you have a hot tub or swim spa to do it in.

The impact of hydrotherapy on arthritis

Hydrotherapy is a flexible form of therapeutic treatment that can be carried out in many different forms. Below are some of the ways in which it can be used to make an impact when it comes to arthritis.

• Pain relief. The impact of warm water on painful joints is immediate relief. This may be something that is only temporary but it can be enormously useful for chronic arthritis sufferers. When we immerse the body in warm water this increases all round blood flow, meaning that oxygen is able to reach the areas where there might be pain. The end result is a feeling of relaxation as well as a rush of pain-relieving endorphins.

• A supported workout. The buoyancy of the water can be very important for arthritis sufferers because it means there is less pressure on the joints when exercising. It also means that any movement will have a lower impact in terms of the harmful effects on the body and the potential for joint pain – but the benefits of activity and movement can still be felt.

• Optimising activity. When you’re doing movements in water you will naturally experience resistance as the water pushes back against the body. This can help to optimise the impact of exercise that you do and speed up a fitness journey.

• A more stable experience. A condition like arthritis can mean that there is a higher risk of falling or losing your balance, which can lead to painful falls. If you’re working out in the water then you can fall as much as you want and you’re much less likely to injure yourself because of the soft landing the water provides.

• Improved flexibility. The warmth of the water in hydrotherapy means that muscles will be more flexible and supple thanks to the faster flow of blood around the body.

Whether it’s relief from pain or a more effective and enjoyable movement session, there are many ways in which hydrotherapy has a positive impact on arthritis. 

You can enjoy these benefits at home with your own Hot Tub which gives you all of the same effects as hydrotherapy spa treatments can.

Take a look at our full range of Hot Tubs today or give us a call on 020 3820 1851 if you have any questions.