Hydrotherapy for arthritis: Benefits of hot tubs and swim spas

How hydrotherapy helps arthritis

Relieves pain and stiffness

Warm water immersion encourages the widening of blood vessels, which improves circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to sore joints and muscles. This warmth helps relieve stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity.

Reduces joint pressure

When your body is immersed in water, your weight is reduced by up to 90%. This buoyancy eases stress on joints, allowing you to move freely and comfortably. If land-based exercises are difficult, gentle movement in a hot tub or swim spa can help you stay active without added strain.

Encourages gentle movement

Hydrotherapy can make it easier to perform range-of-motion exercises. Gentle stretches or slow aquatic movements can support joint flexibility, improve balance, and maintain muscle strength, which is crucial for managing arthritis over time.

Promotes relaxation and stress relief

Arthritis is not just physical—it can also take a toll emotionally. Chronic pain can increase stress levels, which may in turn worsen inflammation and discomfort. Soaking in warm water encourages your body to release endorphins, your natural “feel good” hormones, helping you relax and sleep more easily.

Supports better sleep

Many people with arthritis struggle with disrupted sleep due to pain. Warm water immersion before bed can relax your body, lower tension, and help you transition into deeper, more restorative sleep.

Why hot tub therapy is ideal for arthritis relief

While hydrotherapy can be practiced in many settings, hot tub therapy offers unique advantages. Unlike bathtubs that quickly lose heat, hot tubs maintain consistent temperatures, ensuring your joints receive sustained warmth throughout your soak. And when you choose a Jacuzzi® hot tub, you get even more.

Advanced hydrotherapy jets

Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets deliver adjustable streams of water and air that you can aim at specific areas—like your knees, lower back, or shoulders—for personalized relief. This precision allows you to focus on problem joints without unnecessary strain.

Supportive ergonomic seating

Arthritis can make getting in and out of seating uncomfortable. Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature contoured seats and loungers that cradle your body in natural, low-stress positions, making it easier to soak and relax.

Smart, accessible controls

For those with reduced hand strength, Jacuzzi® SmartTub® technology allows you to control your spa with a smartphone app. You can adjust jets, temperature, and lighting with just a few taps—no complicated dials or hard-to-turn knobs.

Clear, safe water

People with autoimmune conditions like RA often take medications that affect the immune system. Jacuzzi® hot tubs feature advanced purification systems, such as Jacuzzi® True Water®, designed to make maintenance a breeze through nanotechnology.

Infrared and Red Light therapy

Some Jacuzzi® hot tubs also feature Infrared and Red Light therapy—an innovative addition that helps target pain and stiffness more deeply. Infrared warms your tissues from the inside out, while red light supports circulation and recovery.

Swim spa hydrotherapy: A dynamic option

If you enjoy moving in water, swim spa hydrotherapy offers another incredible way to ease arthritis discomfort. Swim spas provide a powerful, adjustable current that allows you to swim or perform gentle exercises in place—without pressure on your joints.

Benefits of swim spa hydrotherapy:

• Low-impact movement: Ideal for maintaining strength and flexibility without high-impact stress.
• Customizable current: You can control resistance to match your ability and comfort level.
• Full-body wellness: Combines the benefits of hydrotherapy with light exercise for mobility and cardiovascular health.

Jacuzzi® swim spas are designed with smooth, even current flow and advanced water management, creating a supportive and soothing environment to help keep your joints moving comfortably.

Other holistic ways to support arthritis relief

Hydrotherapy works best when combined with other healthy habits and medical care. Here are a few natural approaches often recommended by leading health organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic:

Gentle, regular exercise

Activities like walking, swimming, tai chi, or aquatic fitness classes help maintain mobility and muscle strength without aggravating your joints.

Heat and cold therapy

Warm compresses can ease stiffness, while cold packs may help calm inflammation during acute flare-ups.

Stress management

Stress can amplify pain perception. Deep breathing, mindfulness, or even quiet soaks in a hot tub can lower cortisol levels and promote calm.

Anti-inflammatory nutrition

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids supports joint health from the inside out.

Rest and sleep

Quality rest allows your body to recover. Establishing a calming bedtime routine—including a warm soak—can help improve sleep quality.

Jacuzzi®: A trusted leader in hydrotherapy

For 70 years, the Jacuzzi® brand has been a pioneer in hydrotherapy innovation, creating wellness products designed to ease pain, promote relaxation, and support active living. Their hot tubs and swim spas offer unmatched craftsmanship, advanced technology, and thoughtful design—making them ideal for individuals managing arthritis and joint pain.

• Powerful, adjustable Jacuzzi® PowerPro® jets for personalized massage
• Ergonomic seating for maximum comfort and support
• Infrared and Red Light therapy integration on select models
• Smart controls for easy operation
• High-performing water management systems for peace of mind

Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or simply a daily ritual of self-care, a Jacuzzi® hot tub or swim spa can become a significant, and enjoyable, part of your wellness routine.

Living well with arthritis

Arthritis may be part of your life, but it doesn’t have to define how you live. With the right combination of medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive therapies, you can manage symptoms and continue to enjoy the activities you love.

Hydrotherapy for arthritis—through hot tub therapy or swim spa hydrotherapy—is a more natural method of temporary relief that’s both effective and enjoyable. When you choose a Jacuzzi® hot tub or swim spa, you’re choosing a wellness escape that is designed to support your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

Warm water can ease more than just your joints—it can ease your mind, too. It creates a moment of calm in a busy day, a way to reset, and a tool to help you move through life with greater ease and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can hydrotherapy cure arthritis?

A: No, hydrotherapy cannot cure arthritis. However, it can temporarily ease symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling, and support better mobility and quality of life.

Q: Is hot tub therapy safe if I have rheumatoid arthritis?

A: Yes, many people with RA safely use hot tubs. Always consult your rheumatologist first to make sure it’s right for you and follow recommended temperature and time guidelines.

Q: How often should I use a hot tub for arthritis relief?

A: Many people find daily soaks or sessions multiple times a week to be effective. Short, regular soaks often provide better relief than occasional long sessions.

Q: What’s the difference between a swim spa and a hot tub?

A: A swim spa is larger and designed for gentle exercise as well as hydrotherapy, while a hot tub focuses primarily on warm water soaking and massage.

Q: Why choose Jacuzzi® hot tubs for hydrotherapy?

A: The Jacuzzi® name is a trusted wellness brand with decades of innovation, offering premium features like advanced hydrotherapy jets, ergonomic design, and integrated infrared and red light therapy for targeted relief.

Hydrotherapy for arthritis is a powerful, more natural way to temporarily ease pain, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility. When combined with smart lifestyle habits and your healthcare provider’s guidance, it can help you feel better, move more freely, and enjoy life more fully.

With Jacuzzi® hot tubs and swim spas, you’re not just investing in a product—you’re investing in your comfort, your well-being, and your future quality of life.

Disclaimer: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding any medical condition.