Various depictions of people with chronic pain.

Study on the effect of spa therapy on chronic pain

Frédéric Dutheil et al.

September 2019

Healing & thermal therapy

Spa therapy is commonly used in the treatment of chronic conditions, but its benefits are still the subject of debate. This study from Dumlupinar University investigates the possible effects of a combined spa and physiotherapy program on pain and hemodynamic responses in various chronic conditions.

The pain intensity and hemodynamic responses of 472 patients participating in a spa and physiotherapy program were retrospectively assessed. The assessment criteria included pain (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) and hemodynamic responses (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate). The assessments took place before, immediately after treatment and after completion of the spa program (before discharge).

The patients with ankle osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and cervical disc hernia reported the highest VAS scores before the start of the treatment program. After the treatment program, a decrease in VAS scores compared to baseline was observed. Patients with hip osteoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatism had the lowest VAS scores before discharge compared to patients with other pathologies. No statistically significant differences were found between genders in terms of pain improvement. At discharge, all hemodynamic responses decreased significantly compared to the value before and immediately after the start of the therapy program.

A combined spa and physiotherapy program can help relieve pain and improve hemodynamic response in patients with irreversible conditions.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Chronic pain
Institution: Dumlupinar University, Health Institution of Higher Education, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Tanvanly Yolu, 43100 Kutahya, Turkey
Title: Study on the effect of spa therapy on chronic pain
Brief description: The study shows that a combined spa and physiotherapy program relieves pain and improves hemodynamic responses.
Original title: The effect of combined therapy (spa and physical therapy) on pain in various chronic diseases
Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229905000889