Arthritis Relief and the History of the Hot Tub

Ever since the first person stumbled across natural geothermal hot springs, humans have believed in the healing power of a warm water soak. Although early mythology attributed the healing qualities to supernatural or divine influence, modern science has found that there’s a legitimate scientific foundation for the idea. This is especially true for arthritis.

Hot Tub Jets Were Invented to Relive Arthritis Suffering

One of the early inventors of personal hot tubs actually created the attached water pump invention for his son, who was afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. In order to alleviate pain and loosen stiff and achey joints, it was recommended to sit the child in a warm bath. It was even better to provide massage and stimulation while immersed in the water. And of course, this began the home hot tub as we know it today, one of the standards of home luxury and beneficial therapy.

Hot Tubs Can Relieve Joint Pain

Warm water immersion is one of the oldest therapies utilized for musculoskeletal conditions, including fibromyalgia and arthritis. Hundreds of years ago, no one bothered to ask why it worked, they simply welcomed the relief. Now, we know that this can have such a powerful effect because it relaxes muscles, improves circulation and makes the joints looser. It reduces the pull of gravity, and provides full-body support. It doesn’t just help when you’re actually sitting in the hot tub, but continues to have a powerful effect after you emerge and go about your day because of the stimulation and circulation achieved while seated in the tub.

Even more pain relief is achieved through massage and stretching while you’re in the warm water. While your muscles are feeling loose and relaxed, it’s the perfect time to get in more stimulation.

Even today, when modern medicine is full of miraculous solutions for anything from birth complications to cancer, hydrotherapy is still a go-to treatment for joint and muscle pain.

How to Get the Best Results

If you use your hot tub for its therapeutic benefits, follow these tips to get the most out of it.

  • Stretch in the tub. Once you’ve loosened up, you’ll be able to stretch farther.
  • Go warm, rather than hot. Warm water is the best option for therapeutic benefits. Too much heat can overtax your body and put strain on the heart.
  • Soak for 20 minutes a day.
  • Hydrate well before and after. If you’re sweating in the tub, it could lower your body’s water levels, so make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water.

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