Living with chronic pain or arthritis can make everyday life challenging. There’s only so much medication can do, and no one wants to feel like they rattle when they walk. It’s why many people are turning to alternative wellness solutions, like swim spas. They’re a fantastic alternative to medication, offering therapeutic relief for people of all ages. Best of all, everyone can enjoy a swim spa, not just those with chronic pain.
How Swim Spas Help with Chronic Pain and Arthritis
You might think chronic pain is going to stop you enjoying a swim spa. After all, chronic pain can affect any part of the body, and may be making it hard to swim in the first place!
But here’s where swim spas differ. The advanced jets that allow Olympians to train in the comfort of their own home can be finely controlled to target different areas of the body. Turn the jets down, warm up the water, and you’ve created a hydrotherapy bath that can relax the muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress on joints.
Olympic swimmers use this to relax after pushing their bodies hard, relieving pain and tension. You can use these features to relax and manage your existing pain, relieving the symptoms of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, general back pain, and more.
This is why using a swim spa for daily arthritis relief is one of the best ways to manage chronic pain.
Why Warm Water Therapy (Hydrotherapy) Works
Hydrotherapy uses water’s natural properties to soothe pain and promote healing. Warm water helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and create a sense of weightlessness, reducing stress on joints. This form of therapy has been used for centuries and is now embraced in modern wellness practices.
In a swim spa, the buoyancy of water reduces body weight by up to 90%, significantly relieving pressure on aching joints. The heat from the water encourages blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to inflamed areas while helping muscles relax and ease tension. Swim spa therapy is fantastic for managing all kinds of pain, or even just relaxing after a long day
Key Benefits of Swim Spas for Pain and Arthritis Relief
Swim spas come with a lot of benefits for those with chronic pain, general pain, arthritis and more. Here are some of them:
Easily Do Low-Impact Exercise
Set the jets at low power and you can do a range of low impact exercises, keeping your fitness up without the impact of traditional exercise. Not only that, but water makes it easier to balance, so you don’t have to worry about accidents or injuries. Water walking, water jogging, light swimming, flutter kicks, push ups and more are all made easier with a swim spa.
Pain and Arthritis Relief
The warmth and support swim spas provide can go a long way to providing pain relief and
Reduced Joint Stress
Swim spas allow you to move freely as you float, without the typical pain. The water supports your body, minimising strain on joints while enabling beneficial movement.
Muscle Strengthening
The natural resistance of water provides a gentle yet effective way to strengthen muscles, which can help support joints and improve overall mobility.
Improved Circulation and Flexibility
Warm water encourages better blood flow, reducing stiffness and swelling in affected areas. Regular hydrotherapy can enhance flexibility and range of motion, making daily tasks more manageable.
Stress Reduction and Better Sleep
You might be one of the people who have trouble sleeping because of chronic. Swim spas offer a tranquil, calming environment that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep — all vital for pain management and overall health.
Swim Spas vs Traditional Hot Tubs vs Pools
Now you might be thinking, “What’s the difference between a swim spas and pools or hot tubs?”. After all, they all let you float around in the water, and you can swim a little, or walk around. Why should you pay the extra for a swim spa?
The biggest difference is that swim spas are more like a combination of hot tubs and traditional pools. You get the space and flexibility of a pool with the hot water, jets and therapeutic features of modern spas. Swim spas also offer:
- Customisable water temperature and resistance
- Year-round usability
- Massage jets and hydrotherapy seats
- Compact, space-saving designs for home use
- And much more.
If you’re interested in learn more about the features swim spas offer, take a look at our range of swim spas. We have a wide range of spas, including hydrotherapy spas, pain relief spas, and more.
Swim Spa vs Hot Tub for Arthritis
When it comes to managing arthritis symptoms, both swim spas and hot tubs offer therapeutic benefits, but they serve slightly different purposes.
A hot tub provides soothing warm water and hydrotherapy massage, which can help ease joint stiffness, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. However, a therapeutic swim spa combines these benefits with the added advantage of space for gentle, low-impact exercise.
The ability to swim or walk against adjustable currents in a swim spa allows arthritis sufferers to safely build strength, improve flexibility, and maintain mobility without putting strain on their joints.
Tips for Using a Swim Spa Safely with Chronic Conditions
While swim spas offer excellent therapeutic benefits, it’s important to use them safely, especially when managing chronic pain or arthritis. They’re not for everyone, and using them the wrong way can end up making pain worse.
Following a few simple guidelines can help you maximise the benefits while minimising any potential risks.
Speak to Your Healthcare Provider First
Before starting hydrotherapy or any new exercise, it’s essential to talk with your doctor, physiotherapist, or healthcare professional. If they’re already helping manage your pain, they’ll be able to provide personalised recommendations, and ensure that using a swim spa is safe and suitable for your needs.
Start Slowly and Increase Gradually
Remember, you can always increase the intensity of an exercise, but pushing yourself too hard, too fast can result in lasting damage. Starting out slow may challenge your patience, but it’s critical to good health.
When beginning hydrotherapy or swim spa exercises, ease into it with short, gentle sessions. Focus on light stretches, slow movements, and basic water walking to allow your body time to adjust. Gradually increase the duration and intensity based on how you feel and your healthcare provider’s advice.
Use Your Spa’s Supportive Features
Most swim spas have inbuilt hydrotherapy seats, grab rails, and massage jets. These features are designed to support your body, target sore areas, and help prevent slips or falls when entering or exiting the spa. Read your spa’s manual and make sure you know how to use these features before getting in.
Choosing the Right Swim Spa for Therapeutic Use
When choosing a swim spa for managing chronic pain, it’s important to consider features like:
- Adjustable current and temperature controls
- Hydrotherapy massage jets
- Ergonomic seating for comfort and support, and
- Easy accessibility and safety features like grab rails and non-slip surfaces
If you’re not sure which swim spa is right for you, get in touch with our team. We’ll be able to show you which models line up with your needs, and connect you with the right swim spa, hydrotherapy spa or pain relief spa.
Ready to Experience Pain Relief at Home?
Discuss your needs with our team today, or browse our therapeutic swim spa range to discover how therapeutic swim spas can help you.
