Arthritis affects over 40 million people and causes pain, general stiffness, and for some, swelling and inflammation of the joints. Treatment by a physician may focus on controlling pain, minimizing degeneration or optimizing a treatment plan for maximum benefits. Effective treatment often combines medicine with exercise and relaxation techniques. Arthritis affects over 40 million people and causes pain, general stiffness, and for some, swelling and inflammation of the joints.

Treatment by a physician may focus on controlling pain, minimizing degeneration or optimizing a treatment plan for maximum benefits. Effective treatment often combines medicine with exercise and relaxation techniques.

Controlling Pain
Arthritis sufferers experience pain from sore and stiff joints. Worry, anxiety and the stress of chronic soreness can magnify the pain. A warm soak in a Softub spa relieves the pain of muscle and joint stiffness in four ways.

First, the buoyancy of the water reduces 90% of the body weight. The strain on muscles and joints is relieved as soon as you are immersed. Second, the warm water improves your blood circulation. As the blood flows through your body, the warmth relaxes muscles that have become stiff from protecting sore joints. Third, as you relax, your brain releases endorphins into the blood stream. Endorphins are the body's natural relaxant and pain reliever. Fourth, the gentle massage created by the Softub spa jet loosens knots of tension and enhances the muscle's range of motion.

Exercise
The Arthritis Foundation recommends exercise in warm water as especially effective for treating stiff, sore joints because water helps support the body so there is less stress on your hips, knees, feet and spine. There are several types of water exercise that are frequently recommended for the person with arthritis.

Range of Motion Exercise
Range of motion exercise is a way to maintain and improve flexibility. Performing these exercises in a Softub can increase their effectiveness. The warm water relaxes the muscles, aiding freedom of motion, while the buoyancy of the water relieves stress on the joints. The jets massage stiff muscles allowing you to extend them in fuller range.

Strength Exercise
Strength exercise is often recommended because strong muscles help support your joints. A 15-minute warm-up in a Softub spa prior to exercising is an effective way to loosen up stiff muscles and reduce the risk of injuries. While exercising, lactic acid builds up in the muscles. This build up causes that sore and tired feeling after exercising. Using a Softub spa after you exercise increases blood flow to your muscles, replenishing nutrients and removing lactic acid much faster.

Improved Sleep
A good night's sleep is often difficult for arthritis sufferers. Chronic pain can deprive a person of truly restful sleep. Many therapists recommend a warm soak before bed as an excellent aid to a good night's sleep.

If you are considering a Softub spa as part of doctor recommended therapy some or all of the expense may be medically tax deductible.

Want more information on how a softub can help your arthritis? Request a brochure for more information.