Have fibromyalgia? A hot tub may provide relief

April 25, 2023

April 25th, 2023 – Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects over 10 million people in the United States. Widespread pain, fatigue, and stiffness in the muscles and joints are all characteristics that are typically experienced. While these symptoms can be debilitating and impact a person’s quality of life, regular hot tubs soaks are a terrific natural way to combat some of these issues.

Here are a few of the ways hot tub use can help:

· Pain relief—Hot tub soaking can provide temporary relief from pain associated with fibromyalgia. The heat from the water can help relax muscles, reducing strain. This should help alleviate pain in muscles and joints.

· Improved sleep—People with fibromyalgia often struggle with sleep issues. Hot tub soaking can help promote better sleep by calming your body and promoting relaxation. Consider a soak about an hour to an hour and a half prior to the time you intend to crawl into bed. It can make a big difference!

· Stress relief—Fibromyalgia can be a stressful condition to live with. Hot tub soaking can help reduce stress by releasing endorphins. It will help alleviate stress and improve your mood.

· Improved circulation—Hot tub soaking can help improve circulation in the body. This helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.

· Improved range of motion—People with fibromyalgia often have limited range of motion due to muscle stiffness. Hot tub soaking can help improve range of motion by relaxing the muscles and reducing muscle tension.

When you have fibromyalgia, there is a likelihood you may have reduced sensitivity to heat. That means taking care to dial in the temperature that’s safe for you. Soaks may need to be limited to 15–20-minute periods. Your doctor should be advised and given the chance to weigh in on what’s optimal in your situation. And always be sure to hydrate well during your soak.

Hot tubbing is not a silver bullet when it comes to fibromyalgia! It should be incorporated into any other treatments your doctor recommends. But the benefits from immersing yourself in that hot water could help greatly in managing the condition—naturally.