Hot tubs are an extraordinary way to relax and alleviate stress. Your body and mind are at peace. The warm water calms your muscles and allows your body to rest. But hot tubs aren’t only incredible for when you need to unwind after a stressful day. Hot tubs can help improve lower back pains, muscle stiffness, and the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis is the inflammation and swelling of the joints that reduce mobility over time. Since there is no cure for arthritis, people can only do their best to decrease the pain and inflammation to improve their range of motion.
There are many health benefits to the daily usage of hot tubs. If you have arthritis and want additional support for the pain, read more about how hot tubs can improve your arthritis symptoms.
Heat Therapy
Heat therapy, or thermotherapy, is a general term to describe the use of increased temperatures to improve blood circulation and discomfort from aching muscles and joints.
Sitting in a hot tub is a form of heat therapy. A hot tub might not be the first heat therapy method you think of, but it’s efficient to improve various medical conditions. They are great resources for people with arthritis because the hot water releases tension in your muscles and joints. When you step out of the hot tub, you will feel your muscles relax and feel more supple.
Pain Relief
The use of heat is a reliable technique used for bodily conditions, like easing back pain or soothing aching muscles after a workout. Another way hot tubs can improve your arthritis symptoms is by offering pain relief.
The pain caused by arthritis may come in waves; pain might be manageable one day, but the next day, you might feel like you can’t even get out of bed. Arthritis pain limits your ability to achieve simple tasks.
Hot tubs are an effective way to ease multiple areas within one time frame. The warm temperatures from a hot tub will rejuvenate your joints from discomfort.
Relaxing Muscles
People love hot tubs because they’re incredibly relaxing; they make your muscles feel less stiff and allow you to move your body more comfortably. Heat therapy and the use of hot tubs help improve blood circulation. This allows the muscles in your body to relax and eliminates some of the pain caused by arthritis.
Arthritis is different for everyone and can affect varying areas of the body. You may feel stiffness in your fingers, knees, wrists, hips, or shoulders. Using hot tubs to minimize muscle pain boosts the blood supply to the affected areas and temporarily relieves the stress your body endures.
Improving Range of Motion
When your body feels in pain and stiff, you’re the least motivated to exercise. It’s discouraging to endure the daily limitations of arthritis. This disease can indirectly affect the other functions of your body if you don’t exercise regularly or move the parts of your body that are affected the most.
Light Stretching
If you have trouble with your range of motion, you may be able to achieve more movement after soaking in hot water. Hot tubs can greatly improve your movement and comfort. The water alleviates some of the stress your body is under and makes your body feel lighter. You can move more freely without the consequences of feeling pain.
While you’re in the hot tub, consider stretching some of your muscles and lightly moving around to expel additional muscle tension and pain. Think about which parts of your body are the most affected by this disease. Stretching those specific areas is vital to improving the range of motion.
A Stretch for the Hands, Wrists, Elbows, and Shoulders
Interlace your fingers, then rotate your hands so your palms face away from you. Push outward as comfortably as you can and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat once or twice, but don’t force yourself to stretch further than what’s comfortable.
A Stretch for the Ankles and Feet
While sitting, extend your feet towards the opposite end of the hot tub. Gently push your feet against the side. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Repeat once or twice.
A Stretch for the Knees.
Remain sitting in the hot tub. Place a hand under one thigh, then slowly raise your knee towards your chest. Hold this position for as long as you can while keeping your back and shoulders upright. Release this position, take a deep breath, and then stretch the other leg. Repeat this process once or twice per leg.
How To Properly Use a Hot Tub
If you decide to purchase a from Haven Spa Pool and Hearth to help ease your arthritis pain, there are some important tips you should know first!
Time
You might feel relaxed and like you could stay in the hot tub forever. While it’s incredibly enjoyable to let the warm water jets soothe your body, adults should only use a hot tub for no longer than 15 to 30 minutes. If you stay in longer, you might encounter some health risks.
Potential Risks
If you stay longer than the recommended time, you might encounter some side effects.
Hot tubs are popular for their hot, soothing temperatures. If you remain exposed to hot conditions for a prolonged period, you may overheat. Your core body temperature can get too hot, causing you to feel dizzy and decreasing your blood pressure.
Dehydration is another common risk. You might feel very thirsty or disoriented. Remember to drink water whenever using a hot tub. When you feel any of these symptoms, you need to promptly exit and get your body temperature back to normal again!
A Safe Exit
Once your 15 to 30 minutes are up, it’s time to leave the hot tub. After exiting the hot tub, take a shower to clean off. No matter if you use your personal hot tub or one in a public setting, a shower will cleanse you from any lingering chemicals. Moisturize your skin and stay cozy and relaxed for the night.
Hot tubs are more than just for unwinding or socializing with friends. If you struggle with stress, tense muscles, or arthritis, a hot tub might be just what you need! Contact Haven Spa Pool and Hearth to find the perfect two-to-three-person hot tub to make you feel luxurious in your home!
