Hydrotherapy: Sooth Arthritis Suffering

In my last blog post ‘Hydrotherapy: What’s behind this Natural Therapy?’ I explained the basics of hydrotherapy and its health benefits for your body.  Today I am focusing on how it can help people suffering with arthritis.  While there are two different types of arthritis, each with unique causes, a soak in warm, bubbly water helps to treat both of them in different ways.



Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder.  Usually it affects the lining of the joints in the hands and feet which swell up painfully. Eventually joints become deformed as it wears down the bones.

Warm, effervescent water can jumpstart your blood’s circulation and move blood to your extremities that goes to work to reduce inflammation.  As the swollen joints subside, the joint pain and stiffness are also reduced.  The end result is increased mobility and comfort. 

Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis. It’s commonly caused by the wear and tear of everyday life. As people age, the cartilage in joints becomes more brittle and is more prone to wearing down. It can also result from excessive weight or injury.  As the cartilage, or cushion, between the bones is worn down due to age, weight, or injury, bone rubs on bone, and, not surprisingly, causes pain and restricted movement.

Soaking in a tub once or even twice a day can increase range of motion and decrease the pain of osteoarthritis.  It reduces the strain on muscles and bones that occurs during the day’s activities.  Also, keeping joints in motion is an important part of the arthritis cure but sometimes arthritis sufferers stray from this due to the pain.  Since it’s easier to perform exercises recommended by the doctor in the tub because of the buoyancy of the water, people are more likely to stick with an exercise program.

A Walk-In Tub Makes it Easy

Those suffering with arthritis and uncooperative joints might have difficulty getting into a standard bathtub. Luckily they don’t have to miss out on the therapeutic effects of hydrotherapy at home.  Walk-in tubs enable them to walk in, fill up the tub, sit comfortably on the 17” high seat and enjoy warm water and bubbles. 

For seniors with thin skin that may find the water jets a little strong, the can opt for a walk-in tub with heated air jets that send a few ripples across the water, like a tropical breeze.

Once again, check with your doctor before starting a hydrotherapy program.

Bye for now …………………….George Flowers

P.S.  If you live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Delaware, please contact us for a free in-home consultation—we’ll let you know if your loved one is safe and what we recommend.  Or call us now at 1-877-426-8466.

What experiences have you had with hydrotherapy?

Do you or a loved one own a walk in tub? What do you like about it?