How AquaStretch® is Making Waves for Those Living with Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis

Submerge yourself in relief from the pain of arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis with AquaStretch aquatic therapy

Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can significantly affect a person’s quality of life in multiple ways, not just physically, but emotionally and socially too. More than 10 million people in the UK have some form of arthritis. In 2024 Versus Arthritis reported that 450,000 UK adults have a recorded diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society claims that RA affects more than twice as many women than men, and that the most common age for people to develop RA is between 40 and 60, or a bit older for men.

But with the right treatment plan, lifestyle changes, and support, many people with arthritis or RA do lead active and fulfilling lives. Early diagnosis, access to medication (like DMARDs and biologics), physical therapy, and emotional support can make a huge difference.

Living with arthritis or RA doesn’t have to mean constant aches, stiffness, or giving up on the activities you love. In fact, there’s an enjoyable and liberating way to ease your symptoms, boost your mood, and reclaim your freedom of movement: AquaStretch® aquatic therapy.

AquaStretch provides a proactive approach to managing the symptoms of arthritis or RA by harnessing the healing properties of water. Its gentle nature, combined with targeted hands-on assisted stretching, makes it a valuable addition to conventional arthritis and RA treatments. By incorporating AquaStretch into your wellness routine, you can benefit from improved joint mobility, reduced pain, and enhanced overall quality of life.

Rheumatoid arthritis – symptoms and impacts

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the body’s joints. The most

common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. Over time, this leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function. Constant discomfort and tiredness are common. Even simple tasks like opening jars or walking short distances can feel exhausting.

As joints become more damaged, movement can become increasingly difficult, which limits independence. Pain and stiffness often interfere with restful sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability.

RA can make everyday activities more challenging. Dressing, cooking, and cleaning can take longer or require assistance. Some people may need to reduce their working hours, change careers, or stop working altogether due to physical limitations or frequent flare-ups.

Living with a long-term condition like arthritis or RA can take a toll on mental health. Chronic pain and uncertainty about the future can lead to feelings of helplessness or worry. Fatigue and limited mobility may lead people to withdraw from social activities, impacting relationships and self-esteem.

One of the most frustrating aspects of arthritis or RA is their unpredictability. “Flare-ups" can come and go, often with no clear trigger. This can make planning and committing to activities difficult.

Arthritis and RA can affect relationships with family, friends, and partners. A person might no longer be able to take on roles they once did, such as being the primary caregiver or breadwinner. They may rely more on loved ones, which can change dynamics and sometimes cause stress or guilt.

Why AquaStretch works wonders for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients

Here are the ways in which AquaStretch aquatic therapy can provide ongoing relief from the symptoms of arthritis and RA:

Buoyancy = freedom: In a pool, up to 90% of your body weight is taken off your aching joints. That means bending, stretching, or even walking feels dramatically easier and far less painful.

Gentle resistance: Water provides a natural, evenly distributed resistance. As you move, your muscles work a little harder - but without the harsh impact of land-based therapies. This helps tone and strengthen muscles that support inflamed joints in a safe, controlled way.

Relief from stiffness: Water soothes tight muscles and lubricates joints. Even after just one session with me in the pool you may find that tasks which once felt impossible - like lifting

your arms overhead or squatting to pick something up - become surprisingly doable.

Balance & coordination boost: The supportive environment of the pool lets you practice balancing without fear of falling. Better balance helps you feel steadier on your feet when you hop out of the pool and back into daily life.

The “feel good” benefits of AquaStretch last beyond the pool

Many of my AquaStretch clients who initially present with arthritis or RA symptoms report that outside of their regular sessions with me they are benefiting in unexpected and pleasant ways in other areas of their lives:-

Mood lift:  The combination of gentle assisted movements in the water and social interaction has been shown to reduce stress hormones and trigger endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals.

Improved sleep:  Many people with arthritis or RA struggle to sleep because of pain. A session in the pool with me can help them relax deeply, making a restful night’s sleep more attainable.

Stress reduction: Once we have embarked on a course of treatment, my clients tell me that just having a session with me in their diaries is a form of stress relief, since they know they are proactively taking control of their symptoms and enhancing their overall quality of life.

AquaStretch aquatic therapy isn’t a luxury. It’s a powerful, proven treatment that countless people with arthritis and RA use to regain control of their lives. Whether you’re dipping a toe or diving in fully, the water is ready to welcome you, support you, and propel you toward a happier, healthier you.

If you’d like to know more about AquaStretch or to have a no-obligation chat about the various ways I can help you cope with the symptoms of arthritis or RA, then please get in touch.

As with any new treatment regime, speak to your GP first to reassure yourself that this is an appropriate course of action for your particular circumstances. The pool is waiting, as is your journey to easier movement, reduced pain, and a better quality of life.

Mobility Therapies: Live the life you want, not a life in pain.