Soaking in warm water is one
of the oldest forms of medicine. We don’t
need research to tell us that it works wonders for all sorts of joint and
muscle pain. It just plain feels good.
Water is wonderful. Submersion aids joints in three ways
(according to an article called “Tub Turnaround” in Arthritis Today (January/February
2009). Water reduces the force of
gravity compressing the joint, offers support on all sides, decreases
inflammation and increases circulation.
I love this magazine and read the articles regularly. The tips for living with and managing joint
discomfort are wonderful. Whether you
have an actual diagnosis of arthritis or not, you are most likely experiencing
a host of other joint and muscle related pains that are just a part of growing
older.
A warm soak in your bathtub
is nice, but a therapy pool is even nicer if you anticipate a long term need
for water therapy. This of course will
depend on whether your pain is a temporary inconvenience or something that you
will be living with for the rest of your life.
An actual therapy pool is a
warm water pool that is kept at 92-96 degrees.
If the water is too hot it creates stress on your heart and this is not
what you are looking for. Ideally a
therapy pool is deep enough so that if you are standing in chest deep water you
will feel buoyant, which lessens the impact on the joints. There are no specific size requirements and
the tubs may actually be quite small, since most therapy exercises are done in
a vertical position. So, don’t just sit
there. A warm bath is more than a place
to relax. Think of it as therapy as the
warm water actually stimulates blood to flow to those stiff muscles and
joints. A warm tub is a good place to
start doing gentle stretching exercises.
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