May is Arthritis Awareness Month, How a Hot Spring Spa Can Help You Ease the Pain of Arthritis

Arthritis is a disease that affects 50 million adults, and is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Arthritis is actually a term used to classify over 100 different medical conditions. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of the disease. It usually affects people over 60, but other forms of arthritis can be seen from infancy and all throughout life.

Arthritis affects the joints where two bones meet causing pain, inflammation and stiffness. Arthritis can damage the cartilage that cushions and lubricates the joints causing it to become brittle where it was once smooth and supple. The degradation of cartilage can cause pain and weakness making standing, walking, bending and using hands and fingers painful and cumbersome.

There are several drug treatments available by prescription and over the counter to reduce inflammation and pain, but most have side effects that are undesirable. Some people would rather try alternative therapies for arthritis such as herbs, acupuncture, hypnosis and meditation techniques to manage stress and ease the pain. Physical activity can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and increase mobility over time. Exercise can also help reduce stress which leads to improved health.

Another alternative treatment option for arthritis is hydrotherapy, which is soaking in hot water. Getting a portable hot tub for your back yard allows you to have access to the soothing, healing waters whenever you need it.

Soaking or exercising in a spa has many benefits for those who are suffering from the pain of arthritis such as:

– Improved blood circulation from the warm water

– The buoyancy of being under water reduces the strain on the muscles and joints

– The warm water relaxes both the body and the mind

– The massaging jets relieve tension and allows for increased range of motion in the joints over time.

The National Arthritis Foundation recommends 30 minutes of exercise each day to ease arthritis pain and to prevent stiffness in the joints. They also recommend hydrotherapy for those suffering with arthritis. After a good workout, when your muscles are sore and tired, what could feel better than a 30-minute soak in your own hot tub?

Increasing your daily exercise and changing to a healthier diet can help you lose any excess weight you might be carrying around. Losing weight can also help you alleviate some of your arthritis symptoms because when your body weighs less it puts less stress on your joints.

In addition, relaxing in your own hot tub relieves stress, helps you to relax and promotes more restful sleep. Combined with the benefits for arthritis sufferers, a hot tub spa might be exactly what you need to help stay active and moving despite your arthritis.

National Arthritis Awareness Month is the perfect time to begin new, healthy habits to ease the pain of arthritis like soaking in your own backyard hot tub.