Can Hydrotherapy Subdue Arthritis Pain?

What Is Hydrotherapy?
The Finns, Romans, Japanese cultures have used hydrotherapy for hundreds of years. Hydrotherapy involves immersing oneself in hot water and the attendant effects are worth commenting on. Hot water raises the body temperature and blood vessels dilate and widen which results in increased circulation. Water buoyancy reduces the average body weight by 85 to 90% which relieves pressure on joints and muscles and leaves one the sensation of floating in air. It creates maximum body relaxation and facilitates flexing and stretching.

Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint or joints which results in pain, stiffness that limits movement and swelling. Actually there are over 100 separate types of arthritis. These include: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis, gout and lupus. The goal of treatment is to lessen the pain and improve function thereby preventing further joint damage. It is estimated one out of every three families has someone suffering from this condition.

Tax Deductibility For Treatment

If one suffers from arthritis, consulting with a doctor help lay out a plan for treatment. Also, should hot tub hydrotherapy be recommended, a doctor’s note can likely make this purchase tax deductable. Section 213(a) allows as a [tax] deduction the expenses paid during the taxable year for medical care of the taxpayer, spouse, or dependent. A prescription from your doctor for the hot tub solidifies the expense as a primary treatment for a medical condition. Some insurance plans may cover part or even all of the expense.

What Does The Arthritis Foundation Say About Hydrotherapy?

The article: Arthritis - Spas & Warm Water Exercise published through the Arthritis Foundation, states "people whose arthritis symptoms respond well to heat have discovered the many benefits of heat therapy."

In the home environment, the buoyant effects of a hot tub spa help soothe and make less painful the symptoms and stiffness from arthritis and can improve a patients range of motion. The home location of the spa is an ideal location for continued treatment. A talk with a doctor about which aerobic exercises are appropriate will benefit the arthritis condition. Note: A regular program of water exercises from a doctor may further qualify one for tax deductibility for the purchase of a hot tub spa.

Since the buoyancy of water creates this almost weightless environment and with the addition of a hot environment, free movement, simple exercises and joint movement becomes more natural. Minor aches and pains subside. Since water supports bodyweight, the level of resistance lessons and free movement becomes easier and with the massaging action of water jets mixing pressurized water and air, a relaxing and later invigorating outcome can be expected. These beneficial effects provide greater ease when performing daily activities and performing certain exercises.

Other Benefits From Hot Tub Spas

Water also acts as resistance to build muscles and strength which helps keep joints moving. This in turn helps protect joints from further damage and improves coordination, endurance and the ability to perform one’s daily tasks. It has been observed that the pleasant effects of hydrotherapy improves self-esteem and lifts ones mood. The spa adds a component to the therapy by the massaging actions of the pressurized jets mixing air and hot water massaging the whole body and relaxing tight muscles. Relaxing tight muscles and connective tissue encourage the release of lactic acid and other toxins from your system and encourages a balanced metabolism.

Purchases That May Help Your Arthritis

The many hydro jets will loosen tense muscles and stimulate the release of endorphins. These are the body’s natural pain killers and will rejuvenate one’s feeling of well being. With a good night’s rest and a good soak, you won’t feel groggy the next morning, rather you’ll feel invigorated and prepared for new challenges. Portable hot tubs are priced in a way that almost any household can afford one. Portable hot tub spas with their tough durable poly polyethelene shells are durable in all weather conditions, are virtually indestructible and guaranteed for a life of carefree long-lasting use.