Thermal Treatment for Rheumatological Diseases

Rheumatological diseases are pathologies that can affect the entire musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones). Since the vast majority of them are autoimmune pathologies, they can also affect internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Examples of rheumatological diseases include:

• Osteoarthritis;

• Rheumatoid arthritis;

• Lupus;

• Spondyloarthropathies (ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis);

• Sjögren's syndrome;

• Gout;

• Scleroderma;

• Polymyalgia rheumatica;

• Among others.

Symptoms in rheumatological diseases vary depending on the pathology and its severity. Typically, there is pain (which can range from moderate to intense), edema (swelling), stiffness, fatigue, and difficulty in movement.

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 rheumatological diseases?

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 thermal treatment in rheumatological diseases

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.

Is there scientific evidence that thermal treatment is effective?

Yes, 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.

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.

What should I know before starting the treatment?

As mentioned previously, the vast majority of rheumatological diseases are autoimmune pathologies and generally have no cure.

Being chronic diseases, they require lifelong medical follow-up.

It is extremely important to maintain regular medical follow-up consultations and seek 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.

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