Hot Tubs and Arthritis

[kmhemi]

I know I can't be the only one here with Arthritis. I have heard that hot tubs/spas will help some...
Anyone have any input on this topic????

[bryanthompson]

If so... can I get a note from my doctor and write it off on taxes?

[Moses]

Originally posted by bryanthompson
If so... can I get a note from my doctor and write it off on taxes?

Yes.

[Tim Hancock]

My wife has fibro-myalagia (sp?) and she is in ours twice a day (she thinks it helps). I myself do not notice any benefits besides that it feels good!

[kmhemi]

I wouldn't try to write that off on taxes. I bet the IRS would have fun with that...Is that legal?? I would be scared to do it.

[Moses]

Originally posted by kmhemi
I wouldn't try to write that off on taxes. I bet the IRS would have fun with that...Is that legal?? I would be scared to do it.

Believe it or not, Medicare has been known to subsidize the purchase of "therapeutic baths" after cleverly written requests.

If you find a physician that documents "medical necessity", and you only claim an appropriate % of medical use, I can't see why you couldn't take the deduction. Tax guys will know more about this than I do.

[johnco]

a friend of mine injured his back, had operation, etc. some days I don't see how he can walk in the twisted position he gets in. 2 weeks with muscle relaxers, etc. and he's better. I found him a hot tub a couple years ago. 20 minutes in the tub, get out and sit a while, then 20 minutes more and everything's okay and he can walk up straight again. When he moved to another house and sold his tub, he bugged me until I found him another. He can't do without one. you can usully find a good used one for cheap. We found a 2 yr old 8 foot sq. spa for $1500 in perfect condition

[Deschodt]

It can be deducted from taxes if it's for a medical condition (not sure arthitis qualifies though). I know we use ours every day for de-stressing and it also does wonders for sore muscles and my wife's scoliosis!

[kmhemi]

Thanks John,
That might be the best route to go. I can't swing a new one right now. I'd sure like to have one though

[RickM]

I saw a show recently where the doc stated that if you have inflammation the last thing you want to apply is heat. He said that the heat helps to increase blood flow and that wasn't a good thing. On the other hand I can't see applying an ice pack to an arthritic area either.

[gaijindabe]

Just dont use one if your trying to have kids. All that heat is no good.

[Willem Fick]

My grandmother used to suffer from arthritis, and swore by hot-tub treatment. She'd go to a spa and emmerse herself in scalding hot (close to 40 deg C) water for extended periods, coming out regularly to cool down again, and to have a drink of cold water to prevent dehydration. To us it seemed as if it really helped her a lot, but I guess not being a sufferer myself, I can't make the call! I do have a huge lot of sympathy though!

What she also swore by, was taking half an asprin daily. I am a regular cyclist, often suffering from muscle inflamation myself, and have therefore also come to believe that you'll be hard-pressed to find a better anti-inflammatory. Can't say what negative effects it might have through continued daily use though...

[Moses]

Originally posted by RickM
I saw a show recently where the doc stated that if you have inflammation the last thing you want to apply is heat. He said that the heat helps to increase blood flow and that wasn't a good thing. On the other hand I can't see applying an ice pack to an arthritic area either.

Ice is good to reduce swelling during the first 24-48 hours after injury. After that, heat is your friend.

[Drago]

Originally posted by Moses
Ice is good to reduce swelling during the first 24-48 hours after injury. After that, heat is your friend.

Really? I have had plantar facsitis (sp?) in both feet for over 2 years and my podiatrist still stresses icing heavily.

[Moses]

Originally posted by Drago
Really? I have had plantar facsitis (sp?) in both feet for over 2 years and my podiatrist still stresses icing heavily.

Maybe that's why you've had it for two years.

[Drago]

Originally posted by Moses
Maybe that's why you've had it for two years.

Touche'

Time to find another Dr.

[RickM]

Originally posted by Moses
Maybe that's why you've had it for two years.

I've had it for over 20 years and nothing works. Cold, hot, orthotics, braces, stretches. The only relief is percocet when it's especially bad.

[Drago]

Mmmm, percocet...

Well, that's just great. I guess I can just fire my foot Dr. and call it a life of pain, one step at a time.

Maybe loosing the 100+ lbs. I've gained over the last decade might help...

[Joeaksa]

Originally posted by Willem Fick
My grandmother used to suffer from arthritis, and swore by hot-tub treatment. She'd go to a spa and emmerse herself in scalding hot (close to 40 deg C) water for extended periods, coming out regularly to cool down again, and to have a drink of cold water to prevent dehydration. To us it seemed as if it really helped her a lot, but I guess not being a sufferer myself, I can't make the call! I do have a huge lot of sympathy though!

What she also swore by, was taking half an asprin daily. I am a regular cyclist, often suffering from muscle inflamation myself, and have therefore also come to believe that you'll be hard-pressed to find a better anti-inflammatory. Can't say what negative effects it might have through continued daily use though...

Agree with both. Have used both for years and they work well.

JoeA

[K.B.]

15 years ago I had my chiropractor write me a prescription for a thereputic spa. I was able to avoid paying sales tax at that time as well as get some minor medical deduction on my federal taxes.