Thermal Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis belongs to the group of rheumatological diseases, which are pathologies that can affect the entire musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones). Since it is an autoimmune disease, it can also affect other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in our body, causing pain (which can range from mild to intense), edema (swelling), fatigue, and stiffness with difficulty executing movements, especially in the morning.

Joints are the parts that allow body movements and represent the connection between two or more bones, or between bones and cartilage. Examples of joints include the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, etc.

A timely and accurate diagnosis is essential to implement appropriate treatment, control disease progression, relieve associated symptoms, and improve the patients' quality of life.

There are several treatment options capable of slowing disease progression and reducing symptoms, namely with medication, despite the potential side effects.

Thermal treatment is an excellent complementary or alternative option to pharmacological treatment, offering various advantages and benefits for patients, as explained throughout this article.

How does thermal treatment work for rheumatoid arthritis?

Thermal water, particularly that of Termas de Chaves, contains specific therapeutic minerals in its composition with proven benefits in treating various pathologies, including rheumatological ones.

Thermalism uses thermal water at a higher temperature (warmer water than usual, between 34ºC and 38ºC) to relax muscles and raise the temperature of the joints submerged in it, producing an anti-inflammatory effect.

This thermal water causes the blood vessels in these areas to dilate (vasodilation), which leads to an increase in the flow of oxygen and other nutrients to the affected muscles and joints, reducing pain and discomfort.

Hydrotherapy is often recommended in cases of rheumatic disease because it allows the patient to practice physical exercise safely and more easily. Due to the body's immersion in water, the joints are subjected to less weight and pressure, and the muscles become more relaxed.

Benefits of thermalism in rheumatoid arthritis

Thermal treatment has numerous benefits and allows for the treatment of rheumatological diseases in a more natural way, requiring fewer pharmaceuticals.

Thermal water with characteristics like that of Termas de Chaves (hyperthermal and hypermineralized) can help relieve various symptoms of rheumatic diseases, as it naturally reduces joint inflammation and alleviates pain in the affected areas.

Other advantages and benefits associated with thermalism in rheumatological diseases include:

• Relaxation of muscles and joints;

• Improvement of joint mobility, thereby increasing flexibility in the affected areas;

• Better sleep quality;

• Improvement in the patient's overall quality of life.

What should I know before starting the treatment?

As these are chronic diseases, they require lifelong follow-up.

Maintaining regular medical follow-up consultations is fundamental, as well as seeking medical advice if you choose to undergo thermal treatment.

In most cases, thermal treatment translates into greater efficacy when performed regularly and over a more prolonged period.

In this way, it is possible to slow disease progression and improve the patients' quality of life.

Following an evaluation during a consultation, the hydrologist physician will outline a thermal treatment plan to combine it with other therapeutic options, maximizing the efficacy of the different types of therapies.

The success of thermal treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the type and severity of the associated disease, as well as the characteristics of the thermal water used and the techniques applied.

Hot and hypermineralized thermal waters, such as those at Termas de Chaves, are the most suitable for rheumatological pathologies, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Is there scientific evidence that thermal treatment is effective?

Randomized clinical trials have proven that thermal treatment is effective in various rheumatological diseases.

Results may vary according to the specific pathology, the severity of the disease, factors inherent to each individual, the type of thermal treatment, and the type of thermal water used, among others.

Hot and hypermineralized thermal waters, such as those at Termas de Chaves, are the most suitable for rheumatological pathologies, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The combination of different types of therapies can also influence the results. For instance, if the use of hydrotherapy is combined with Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation techniques (physiotherapy), among others, the results obtained can be more effective and long-lasting.

This article was originally published in Saúde e Bem-Estar - www.saudebemestar.pt and written in partnership with Termas de Chaves.