Study on hydrotherapy & massage in the hammam for endometriosis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an integral HAMMAM experience - a 4-week therapeutic program combining hydrotherapy and Swedish massage in a multisensory immersive environment - on pain, well-being and quality of life (QoL) in women with chronic, treatment-resistant pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

This randomized controlled trial from the University of Granada included 44 women with endometriosis who were randomly assigned to either the "HAMMAM" group or a control group. Pain intensity was measured using numerical rating scales. Pain impairment, pain-related catastrophizing thoughts, pressure pain thresholds, subjective well-being, functional capacity and quality of life were measured using various validated scales (BPI, PCS, Algometry, EBS-20, PROMIS-29, EHP-30). The measurements were taken before and after the intervention.

No health problems occurred during the study. The "HAMMAM" intervention led to a significant improvement in menstrual cramps and pain during sexual intercourse with large or moderate effect sizes. In addition, a reduction in pain impairment during sleep and an increase in pressure pain thresholds in the pelvic area were observed. No effects were observed on catastrophizing thoughts, general well-being or quality of life, with the exception of the sleep subscale.

A 4-week integral HAMMAM program combining hydrotherapy and massage in a multisensory immersive environment is a feasible and effective intervention to relieve pain during menstruation and intercourse as well as sleep-related pain impairment in women with endometriosis.