Study on the effect of thermal baths on knee osteoarthritis

The aim of this study conducted in Italy was to test the short- and long-term effects of thermal baths for knee osteoarthritis patients.

80 people took part in the study; the treatments were carried out over a period of two weeks on an outpatient basis. Examinations were carried out before and immediately after the treatments as well as 3, 6 and 9 months later. The first group of 40 participants received daily mud packs and thermal water baths from Rapolano Terme (Siena). The other group continued to receive the usual drug treatment.

At the end of the treatment phase, significant improvements were observed in all parameters, which also persisted over the entire post-treatment period. In contrast, there were no significant changes in the control group. This effect was further emphasized by a significant reduction in the amount of medication in the treatment group. Tolerance was apparently good, withonly very mild and transient side effects.

The results confirm that the beneficial effects of a thermal cure for patients with knee osteoarthritis have a lasting effect and have a positive impact on pain symptoms and functionality. A medicinal water cure can therefore provide useful support for drug treatment or even be a good alternative for patients who cannot tolerate drug treatment.