Hot and cold treatments can be used to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. These therapies come in different forms and the best choice depends on the type of arthritis, as well as the perspective of the individual combined with the recommendations of arthritis professionals. Studies have shown heat and cold therapies to be equally effective in reducing pain.

Hot Therapy Pools

Hot therapy pools increase blood flow, tolerance for pain, and flexibility. Soaking in a hot therapy pool is the oldest form of water therapy.

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  Indications:
  Hot Therapy Pools can be used to help ease the pain of many arthritis sufferers. Characterized by inflammation of the joints, causing swelling, pain and stiffness, arthritis often results in loss of joint movement or function. You may find relief without drugs by soaking in the warm waters.
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  Cautions:
  If you suffer from high blood pressure or any type of cardiovascular disease you must first consult your physician before using the hot therapy pools.
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The Cold Plunge is a deep cold-water pool used to stimulate blood circulation and rapidly cool the body, especially after a sauna. Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint, thereby reducing pain and relieving inflammation and muscle spasms. Cold therapy used for approximately 15 minutes can reduce swelling and stop pain.

Cold Plunge Pools are designed to create the ultimate recovery and revitalization environment for athletes too. The Cold Plunge chiller system keeps the water temperatures at a therapeutic 55 degrees to help control joint inflammation and enhance muscle recovery.

A whirlpool can bring welcome relief by providing the warmth, massage and buoyancy needed to both relax and exercise joints and muscles. Whirlpools use directional and flow adjustable hydrotherapy jets, which produce an air and water stream to massage specific parts of the body. The water should feel relaxing and comfortable, and not hot. If you are using a whirlpool for just soaking or doing very gentle exercises for arthritis, you should set the temperature between 102 to 104 degrees.

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  Cautions:
  If you suffer from high blood pressure or any type of cardiovascular disease you must first consult your physician before using the whirlpool.

Sauna
In a sauna the heat acts more quickly to eliminate toxins through the skin, though some consider the moist air of a steam bath to have a more satisfying effect on the respiratory system. Saunas are deeply relaxing and are a great way to melt away stress.

As soon as you step inside a steam bath, relaxation becomes the theme. Within moments, the warmth penetrates your body from head to toe, easing tired muscles. Just as importantly, the warmth opens the pores of your skin, creating a flow of perspiration, which lifts out the impurities of everyday living. Your skin will be deep cleansed like never before, leaving it soft, supple, and healthy.

 

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