Are spa pools good for pain relief?

Does a hot tub help with joint pain?

Joint inflammation from arthritis causes swelling, pain and stiffness, often resulting in the loss of joint movement or function and making exercise difficult and uncomfortable.

Immersion in warm water produces hydrostatic pressure on the body that results in reduced joint inflammation – loosening joints, reducing pain and increasing mobility.If arthritis is holding you back from the active lifestyle you crave, try adding a soak in your spa to your daily routine to help get you moving again.

Because water is buoyant, it reduces gravity’s pull on joints. When submerged, the body weighs about 90 percent less. Weight and compression of the joints, which are often the cause of pain, are diminished while still providing 360-degree support. The warm water also raises body temperature and increases circulation, which encourages better movement.

How warm should my spa water be?

We suggest starting at your spa temperature at 38 degrees and adjusting to suit your desired temperature from here. The highest temperature should never exceed 46 degrees.

If you find that you're sweating after a tough workout, try lowering the temperature of your spa to body temperature, around 37 degrees for a more comfortable soak.

To make the most of your hot tub time, keep these tips in mind:

• Get warmed up. When starting out, set your spa temperature at around 38 degrees.
• Before getting in the hot tub, do some gentle stretching. The benefits of stretching while you soak will last even after you leave the hot tub.
• After you've stretched outside, try doing some simple stretches in the hot tub. The water will take some of the pressure off your joints and add some gentle resistance.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water before and during your hot tub session.
• Talk with your physician before starting a warm water therapy routine and begin gradually, doing what you are comfortable with on a given day.

Does a hot tub help with inflammation?

The warm waters of a hot tub elicit a physiological response from the body in much the same way exercise does, but without the physical stresses and impacts that come with a workout.

If you struggle with inflammation it might help to start by warming up in the spa before you try working out, whether it’s a walk or gentle cardio exercise it’s best to warm those muscles first to avoid further inflamation. The heat widens blood vessels, which sends nutrient-rich blood throughout your body. Warm water also brings down swelling and loosens tight muscles. And the water's buoyancy takes weight off painful joints. A dip in the hot tub might also help your mental state.

Before you exercise you can try:

• A quick 10-20-minute soak in the spa pool. This will help get the blood flowing and loosen up your muscles.

• Assist your inflammation healing by spending at least 10 minutes stretching out those warm muscles before you start your workout (you could even do some gentle stretches while you're in the hot tub).

• After you exercise, let your muscles and your heart rate cool down by trying a gentle walk or stretching. Then, take advantage of a hot tub session to help your mind and body relax and to stimulate the healing and recovery process.