According to The Arthritis Foundation, in 2005 there were about 46 million people in the United States suffering from some form of arthritis pain. The Center for Disease Control reports that arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions that affect joints and other parts of the body. The CDC states that arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability.
Arthritis on Increase
One out of five adults in the United States reports having doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Plus, as the population ages, the number of U.S. adults with arthritis is projected to increase to 64.9 million by 2030 (see Lethbridge – National Health Interview Survey, 2002. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2004; 10; 222).
2005: 46,265,000
2010: 50,146,000
2015: 53,889,000
2020: 57,501,000
2025: 61,240,000
2030: 64,921,000
The Benefits of Warm Water
Water – especially warm water – is a safe, ideal medium for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. That's why the Arthritis Foundation created a program, based on water immersion, that not only relieves stiff joints and associated pain, but keeps them moving, increasing their range of motion and maintaining or building muscle strength.
The Arthritis Foundation points out that moderate physical activity can improve your health without hurting your joints. And when that activity takes place in the inviting environment of warm water, any excess strain on your joints and muscles is greatly reduced.
In addition, new research from Marlene Fransen, PhD, which was posted to the Arthritis Foundation’s Web site on April 24, 2007, concluded that hydrotherapy (i.e., exercise therapy, i.e., aquatic therapy) provides great relief for joint pain, resulting in improvements in physical performance and function. (Her study involved people with osteoarthritis, or OA, in their knees or hips.)
With the Aquatic Fitness System you not only receive the numerous benefits associated with buoyancy and warm water, you also receive the therapeutic massaging effects provided by strategically placed adjustable massaging jets.
Plus with the AFS solution, you can set the water temperature to whatever temperature you prefer. You decide when “the pool” is open and how the water is maintained. And you choose the kind of workout you want, from super-gentle to super-intensive, to anything in-between. And it’s all under your control.
Of course, please consult your family doctor before beginning an exercise program.
