One out of every three people in the world has some type of arthritis. Although there are more than 100 different types of arthritis, the majority is characterized by pain, rigidity and swelling of the joints that can lead to the loss of movement or function of the affected joints

Nevertheless, with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of arthritis can be controlled, the damage to the joints can be limited or prevented and the movement and flexibility improved.

Pain in the joints can make the affected person want to maintain these immobile and to avoid activities that increase pain. Nevertheless, to limit the use of the joints will -with time- provoke the loss of flexibility (movement range) and debilitation of the joints, ligaments and muscles. The inactivity can also shorten and harden the muscles, causing more pain and rigidity, preventing the person from carrying on with the things that they want to do.

Exercising with regularity helps to maintain mobility in the joints, to reduce pain, to recover and maintain the strength and flexibility protecting the person of additional damage. The exercise also can:

• increase coordination and resistance;
• improve capacity to carry out daily chores (like walking or climbing stairs);
• increase energy;
• reduce fatigue; and
• lead to improvement in self-esteem and sense of success.

The tranquilizing heat and buoyancy of hot water create a safe, ideal atmosphere for lightening the pain and rigidity of arthritis improving the range of movement of the affected joints.

A method to use water to help treat arthritis, is to do exercise in a swimming pool or jacuzzi, or with hydrotherapy.

To make exercise in hot water increases body temperature, provoking the dilation of blood vessels as well as an increase in blood circulation. The aquatic exercise is a smooth form to exercise muscles and joints. The water supports the joints, diminishes the tension and allows free mobility besides providing an average resistance to help fortify muscles.

The use of a jacuzzi has an additional benefit: the massage. The turbines release a mixture of hot water and air, giving massage to the body and helping it to relax the rigid muscles. Speak with your doctor to know if hydrotherapy is suitable for you.

Swimming is recommended two to three times per week, in one hour sessions. The participants execute aerobic exercises, range of movements and strengthening in deep or low sections of the swimming pool, and it is not necessary to know how to swim.

Nevertheless, this program does not replace the medical treatment or therapeutic exercises. To go to aquatic exercises classes gives the patient the opportunity to practice in hot water under the supervision of a specialized instructor.