REVIEW PAPER
Beneficial effect of balneotherapy on osteoarthritis
1
Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetology and Clinical Pharmacology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Medical University, Łódż, Poland
2
Department of Medicine, Medical University, Łódż, Poland
3
Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Karol Jonscher Municipal Medical Centre, Łódż, Poland
4
Department of General Surgery, Karol Jonscher Municipal Medical Centre, Łódż, Poland
Corresponding author
Natalia Aleksandra Popławska
Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych, Diabetologii i Farmakologii Klinicznej, Centralny Szpital Kliniczny Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi, Pomorska 251, 92-213, Łódź, Polska
Klinika Chorób Wewnętrznych, Diabetologii i Farmakologii Klinicznej, Centralny Szpital Kliniczny Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi, Pomorska 251, 92-213, Łódź, Polska
Med Og Nauk Zdr. 2024;30(3):192-196
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
Biomedyczne aspekty zdrowia i chorobyZdrowie środowiskoweProfilaktyka chorób cywilizacyjnychPromocja zdrowia i edukacja zdrowotna
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Balneotherapy uses natural mineral waters, mud, and gases for health purposes. It is effective in treating various health conditions, including skin issues, and joint and muscle problems. It is gaining recognition as a non-drug treatment for rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects joint tissues. Hip and knee osteoarthritis are among the top causes of global disability. Treatments include medications, physical therapy, spa therapy, and sometimes surgery. The presents the results of a literature search regarding the effects of balneotherapy on osteoarthritis.
Review methods:
A comprehensive review was conducted to analyze the existing literature, primarily from the last 7 years. Original and review articles were systematically searched using the key words: ‘balneotherapy’, ‘spa therapy’, ‘mud-therapy’, ‘osteoarthritis’, ‘hydrotherapy’ in Google Scholar and PubMed databases.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Hydrotherapy’s therapeutic effects come from mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors. Thermal waters can reduce muscle tone and improve tissue flexibility and collagen elasticity. Sulphur compounds in sulphurous waters can reduce sensitivity and widen blood vessels. They promote tissue repair, remove harmful substances, and relieve pain. Mud therapy is a traditional treatment for knee osteoarthritis. This therapy has been found to reduce inflammation and improve immune response.
Summary:
In recent years, studies have shown that balneotherapy can be an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis. It can function as a substitute for patients who exhibit intolerance to conventional medications. Spa therapy has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, and improving functional status in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Balneotherapy uses natural mineral waters, mud, and gases for health purposes. It is effective in treating various health conditions, including skin issues, and joint and muscle problems. It is gaining recognition as a non-drug treatment for rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects joint tissues. Hip and knee osteoarthritis are among the top causes of global disability. Treatments include medications, physical therapy, spa therapy, and sometimes surgery. The presents the results of a literature search regarding the effects of balneotherapy on osteoarthritis.
Review methods:
A comprehensive review was conducted to analyze the existing literature, primarily from the last 7 years. Original and review articles were systematically searched using the key words: ‘balneotherapy’, ‘spa therapy’, ‘mud-therapy’, ‘osteoarthritis’, ‘hydrotherapy’ in Google Scholar and PubMed databases.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
Hydrotherapy’s therapeutic effects come from mechanical, thermal, and chemical factors. Thermal waters can reduce muscle tone and improve tissue flexibility and collagen elasticity. Sulphur compounds in sulphurous waters can reduce sensitivity and widen blood vessels. They promote tissue repair, remove harmful substances, and relieve pain. Mud therapy is a traditional treatment for knee osteoarthritis. This therapy has been found to reduce inflammation and improve immune response.
Summary:
In recent years, studies have shown that balneotherapy can be an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis. It can function as a substitute for patients who exhibit intolerance to conventional medications. Spa therapy has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating pain, reducing stiffness, and improving functional status in individuals with osteoarthritis.
REFERENCES (47)
1.
Zhang Y, Liu T, Yang H, et al. Melatonin: A novel candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Ageing Res Rev. 2022 Jun;78:101635. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2022.101635.
2.
Hawker GA. Osteoarthritis is a serious disease. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2019 Sep-Oct;37 Suppl 120(5):3–6.
3.
Olsson S, Akbarian E, Lind A, et al. Automating classification of osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence in the knee using deep learning in an unfiltered adult population. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 Oct 2;22(1):844. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891....
4.
Kan HS, Chan PK, Chiu KY, et al. Non-surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Hong Kong Med J. 2019 Apr;25(2):127–133. https://doi. org/10.12809/hkmj187600.
5.
Panella L, Incorvaia C, Caserta AV, et al. A bio-psycho-social approach in elderly population: outcome of adapted physical activity in patients with osteoarthritis. Clin Ter. 2020 Jan-Feb;170(1):e74-e77. https://doi. org/10.7417/CT.2020.2192.
6.
Hassanzadeh A, Vousooghi N, Rahimnia R, et al. Recent advances in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs)-based approaches for osteoarthritis (OA) therapy. Cell Biol Int. 2023 Jun;47(6):1033–1048. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbin.1....
7.
Ghazwan A, Wilson C, Holt CA, et al. Knee osteoarthritis alters peri-articular knee muscle strategies during gait. PLoS One. 2022 Jan 20;17(1):e0262798. https://doi.org/10.1371/journa....
8.
Madry H. Surgical therapy in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022;30(8):1019–1034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca....
9.
Protano C, Fontana M, De Giorgi A, et al. Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatol Int. 2023 Sep;43(9):1597–1610. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296....
10.
Bender T, Bálint G, Prohászka Z, et al. Evidence-based hydro- and balneotherapy in Hungary--a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Biometeorol. 2014 Apr;58(3):311–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484....
11.
Fioravanti A, Karagülle M, Bender T, Karagülle MZ. Balneotherapy in osteoarthritis: facts, fiction and gaps in knowledge. Eur J Integr Med. 2017;9:148–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euji....
12.
Mahajan GB, Balachandran L. Sources of antibiotics: Hot springs. Biochem Pharmacol. 2017 Jun 15;134:35–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.....
13.
Ziemska J, Szynal T, Mazańska M, et al. Natural medicinal resources and their therapeutic applications. Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2019;70(4):407–413. https://doi.org/10.32394/rpzh/....
14.
Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen JA. Does the Combination of Finnish Sauna Bathing and Other Lifestyle Factors Confer Additional Health Benefits? A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023 Jun;98(6):915–926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayo....
15.
Ciani O, Pascarelli NA, Giannitti C, et al. Mud-Bath Therapy in Addition to Usual Care in Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis: An Economic Evaluation Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017 Jul;69(7):966–972. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.23....
16.
Geenen R, Overman CL, Christensen R, et al. EULAR recommendations for the health professional›s approach to pain management in inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018 Jun;77(6):797–807. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrhe....
17.
Carretero MI. Clays in pelotherapy. A review. Part II: Organic compounds, microbiology and medical applications. Appl Clay Sci. 2020;189: 105531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay....
18.
Carretero MI. Clays in pelotherapy. A review. Part I: Mineralogy, chemistry, physical and physicochemical properties. Appl Clay Sci. 2020;189: 105526. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay....
19.
Fioravanti A, Cheleschi S, Tent S. Mechanisms of action of balneotherapy in rheumatic diseases: the scientific evidence. Cad. Naturologia e Ter. Complement. 2014;3(5):63–70. https://doi.org/10.19177/cntc.....
20.
Fernandez-Gonzalez M, Fernandez-Lao C, Martin-Martin L, et al. Therapeutic Benefits of Balneotherapy on Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 15;18(24):13216. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph....
21.
Tékus V, Borbély É, Kiss T, Perkecz A, et al. Investigation of Lake Hévíz Mineral Water Balneotherapy and Hévíz Mud Treatment in Murine Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Models. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Aug 27;2018:4816905. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4....
22.
Shefa U, Kim MS, Jeong NY, et al. Antioxidant and Cell-Signaling Functions of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Central Nervous System. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Feb 4;2018:1873962. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1....
23.
Corsello T, Komaravelli N, Casola A. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in NRF2- and Sirtuin-Dependent Maintenance of Cellular Redox Balance. Antioxidants (Basel). 2018 Sep 28;7(10):129. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox....
24.
Chen Q, Wang Q, Zhu J, et al. Reactive oxygen species: key regulators in vascular health and diseases. Br J Pharmacol. 2018 Apr;175(8):1279–1292. https://doi.org/10.1111/bph.13....
25.
Cyr AR, Huckaby LV, Shiva SS, et al. Nitric Oxide and Endothelial Dysfunction. Crit Care Clin. 2020 Apr;36(2):307–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccc.....
26.
Hou C, Liang L, Chu X, et al. The short-term efficacy of mud therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Apr;99(17):e19761. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.000....
27.
Gutenbrunner C, Bender T, Cantista P, et al. A proposal for a worldwide definition of health resort medicine, balneology, medical hydrology and climatology. Int J Biometeorol. 2010 Sep;54(5):495–507. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484....
28.
Gomes C, Carretero MI, Pozo M, et al. Peloids and pelothe- rapy: historical evolution, classification and glossary. Appl Clay Sci. 2013; 75–76:28–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay....
29.
Tateo F, Ravaglioli A, Andreoli C, et al. The in-vitro percuta- neous migration of chemical elements from a thermal mud for healing use. Appl Clay Sci. 2009;44(1–2):83–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay....
30.
Venialea F, Barberisb E, Carcangiuc G, et al. Formulation of muds for pelotherapy: effects of maturation by different mineral waters. Appl Clay Sci. 2004;25:135–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay....
31.
Mennuni G, Fontana M, Perricone C, et al. A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of mud-bath therapy on knee osteoarthritis. Clin Ter. 2021 Jul 5;172(4):372–387. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.202....
32.
Dischereit G, Goronzy JE, Müller-Ladner U, et al. Wirkeffekte serieller Heiltorfbäder bei entzündlich-rheumatischen und degenerativen Erkrankungen [Effects of serial mud baths on inflammatory rheumatic and degenerative diseases]. Z Rheumatol. 2019 Mar;78(2):143–154. German. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00393....
33.
Fioravanti AM, Ciani O, Cheleschi S, et al. Balneotherapy in knee osteoarthritis: a cost/effectiveness analysis alongside an Italian randomized controlled clinical trial. Boletín de la Sociedad Española de Hidrología Médica. 2018(1):61–2. http://dx.doi.org/10.23853/bse....
34.
Galvez I, Torres-Piles S, Hinchado MD, et al. Immune-Neuroendocrine Dysregulation in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Revision and a Pilot Study. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2017;17(1):78–85. https://doi.org/10.2174/187153....
35.
Gálvez I, Torres-Piles S, Ortega-Rincón E. Balneotherapy, Immune System, and Stress Response: A Hormetic Strategy? Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jun 6;19(6):1687. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19....
36.
Ortega E, Gálvez I, Hinchado MD, et al. Anti-inflammatory effect as a mechanism of effectiveness underlying the clinical benefits of pelotherapy in osteoarthritis patients: regulation of the altered inflammatory and stress feedback response. Int J Biometeorol. 2017 Oct;61(10):1777–1785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484....
37.
Maccarone MC, Magro G, Solimene U, et al. From in vitro research to real life studies: an extensive narrative review of the effects of balneotherapy on human immune response. Sport Sci Health. 2021;17(4):817–835. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332....
38.
Erickson BE. The therapeutic use of radon: a biomedical treatment in Europe; an „alternative” remedy in the United States. Dose Response. 2006 Sep 23;5(1):48–62. https://doi.org/10.2203/dose-r....
39.
Rattan SI, Demirovic D. Hormesis can and does work in humans. Dose Response. 2009 Dec 10;8(1):58–63. https://doi.org/10.2203/dose-r....
40.
Yamaoka K, Mitsunobu F, Hanamoto K, et al. Biochemical comparison between radon effects and thermal effects on humans in radon hot spring therapy. J Radiat Res. 2004 Mar;45(1):83–8. https://doi.org/10.1269/jrr.45....
41.
Eckert D, Evic M, Schang J, et al. Osteo-immunological impact of radon spa treatment: due to radon or spa alone? Results from the prospective, thermal bath placebo-controlled RAD-ON02 trial. Front Immunol. 2024 Jan 16;14:1284609. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.....
42.
Cucu A, Shreder K, Kraft D, et al. Decrease of Markers Related to Bone Erosion in Serum of Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders after Serial Low-Dose Radon Spa Therapy. Front Immunol. 2017 Jul 25;8:882. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.....
43.
Teległów A, Seremak J, Golec J, et al. The effect of sulphur baths on hemorheological properties of blood in patients with osteoarthritis. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):7960. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598....
44.
Branco M, Rêgo NN, Silva PH, et al. Bath thermal waters in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2016 Aug;52(4):422–430.
45.
Varzaityte L, Kubilius R, Rapoliene L, et al The effect of balneotherapy and peloid therapy on changes in the functional state of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blind pilot study. Int J Biometeorol. 2020 Jun;64(6):955–964. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484....
46.
Gálvez I, Torres-Piles S, Ortega E. Innate/inflammatory bioregulation and clinical effectiveness of whole-body hyperthermia (balneotherapy) in elderly patients with osteoarthritis. Int J Hyperthermia. 2018;35(1):340–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/026567....
47.
Angioni MM, Denotti A, Pinna S, et al. Spa therapy induces clinical improvement and protein changes in patients with chronic back pain. Reumatismo. 2019 Oct 24;71(3):119–131. https://doi.org/10.4081/reumat....
| eISSN: | 2084-4905 |
| ISSN: | 2083-4543 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
