Arthritis Pain Relief With Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a wonderful alternative to pain relief for arthritis sufferers. It is believed that the buildup of toxins is the number one reason that joints become inflamed and painful. Hydrotherapy treatment has proven to be effective with patients who suffer from chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis patients find the warm and moist hydrotherapy treatment very beneficial in giving relief from pain.  This is also why moist heat packs seem to give more relief to more people than the dry heat treatment such as electric heat pads.  To relieve stiffness in the joints and to get rid of tight pain that is intense and very penetrating, try using a warm compress on the skin for a period of 10 to 20 minutes, approximately every four hours.

Other types of hydrotherapy treatments that can prove every bit as beneficial include exercising in a pool that is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or wading or swimming in a pool that is heated to the same temperature. In order to be effective the part of the body that is in pain must be immersed fully in the water.

If you suffer from intense sharp pain you may find it is better to use cold hydrotherapy treatments such as an ice pack or a cold, wet compress wrapped in a plastic bag.  Before placing on the affected area place a thin towel over the joint to be treated.  

It is recommended that the cold hydrotherapy treatment be applied every four hours for a period of no more than 15 minutes at a time. (It is never recommended that you use of any type of cold hydrotherapy treatment for any longer than 20 minutes at a time as this can lead to damage the tissue of the skin.

If after using cold treatments for one or two days the pain has gotten considerably better or even if it has lessened somewhat, stop the cold treatments and switch to hot compresses.

Colonics are particularly effective when it comes to getting rid of toxins from the colon and help to stimulate the kidneys and other organs of the human body to greater action. Throughout the day drink as much distilled water as possible as this helps to support the body in flushing out toxins. Taking hot and cold showers are a way of stimulating circulation in a general sense and they act as a kind of general tonic for the body.  Alternatively baths or massages done with cold towels are an excellent way to pump up the circulation in the body. 

You may wish to try hot Epsom salts bath as they help to draw pain out of the body.  If your feet are the main problem, soaking them in a foot spa (or bowl) with Epsom salt baths will help relieve the pain and discomfort.

My Tip: I have found that by rubbing oil (eg. Pure emu oil) or an arthritis rub into my sore joints then wrapping or covering the area with plastic wrap and a warm towel gives great relief from the pain. I usually leave the pack on for about 15 minutes or so. By using this method the warmth helps the oil or ointment penetrate into the affected area.