Contrary to our first association, this strange-sounding term has nothing to do with whales, although both are undoubtedly related to water. Indeed, balneotherapy is the umbrella term for physiotherapy methods that use the therapeutic effects of medicinal waters in treatments.
Hydrotherapy or Balneotherapy?
As we discussed in a previous article physiotherapeutic treatments involve non-pharmacological interventions that leverage the therapeutic power of various natural and artificial energies, which are primarily applied to musculoskeletal problems and certain functional disorders of the nervous and circulatory systems.
During balneotherapy, the beneficial physiological effects, mainly of chemical nature, inherent in natural therapeutic waters are exploited through various treatment methods. Balneotherapy is distinguishable from hydrotherapy, which (as implied by its name) is also a water-based therapeutic approach but relies on the physical effects of water, making ordinary tap water suitable for use. In hydrotherapy, the therapeutic power lies in the water’s pressure, buoyancy, temperature, etc., in balneotherapy, beyond these, the beneficial physiological effects of chemical compounds present in the healing water play a central role. Such therapeutic components may include sulphur, iodine, calcium, table salt, carbon dioxide, and radon.
Balneotherapy Treatment Methods
Balneotherapy involves various methods, and of course, it is included, but not limited to, spa bathing.
Bathing Cure:
The bathing cure involves regular and repeated sessions in therapeutic water, which
- typically consisting of at least 15 consecutive sessions,
- with each session lasting 20-40 minutes.
The number and duration of these sessions are determined by a healthcare professional, taking into consideration the patient’s health condition. Adhering these recommendations is crucial, as excessive exposure to therapeutic water can be dangerous.
During the bathing cure, a phenomenon known as the “bathing reaction” often occurs, indicating a temporary intensification of symptoms. This may be accompanied by increased pain, joint swelling, elevated temperature, general discomfort, loss of appetite, insomnia, etc. This is a natural reaction that usually subsides after 1-2 days. However, it is essential to inform the treatment supervisor who can modify the prescribed therapy accordingly.
Other balneotherapeutic treatments
Bathing cures are rarely used on their own; they are usually combined with other treatments. These may include:
- therapeutic exercises in the healing water (aquatic exercise or water gymnastics), which are easier to perform due to the buoyancy of the water, joint-friendly, and take advantage of the chemical healing properties of the water;
- tangentor (hydro-massage): a special medical bathtub where various pressure underwater water jet massages are performed; the average treatment duration is 15 minutes;
- drinking cure;
- inhalation therapy;
- mud therapy, performed with earthy substances containing healing chemical compounds (usually applied warm) after sterilization;
- massage therapy using healing water-based preparations.
- additionally, it can be combined with other physical therapy methods (such as electrotherapy).
What problems is Balneotherapy effective for?
As we have seen, the effectiveness of balneotherapy primarily depends on the chemical components dissolved in the medicinal water. These components enter into the body both through the skin and through inhalation of the air. The various therapeutic ingredients can provide solutions to different types of problems. These include:
- musculoskeletal issues: joint inflammations, degenerative spine, knee, and hip joint conditions, gout, rheumatism, lumbago, intervertebral disc disorders, musculoskeletal developmental and postural disorders,
- inflammatory rheumatological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
- upper respiratory tract diseases such as asthma, respiratory allergies,
- certain gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases,
- certain cardiovascular diseases such as venous disorders,
- nerve pains and neuralgia,
- chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis,
- gynaecological diseases and infertility.
- injuries, as well as post-treatment care following musculoskeletal surgeries.
Contraindications for Balneotherapy
As we discussed earlier, caution should be exercised with balneotherapy, as its improper or excessive application can be harmful to health.
The treatment is not recommended or should only be undertaken under strict medical supervision in the presence of:
- open wounds,
- infectious diseases,
- fever,
- extensive skin lesions,
- diseases associated with loss of consciousness,
- severe heart problems,
- untreated high blood pressure,
- inability to control urine and stool.
Healing Waters in Hungary
The classification of what exactly qualifies as healing water and under what conditions is determined by strict regulations. Fortunately, Hungary is rich in a variety of healing waters, thanks to the remnants of the ancient Pannonian Sea.
- the thermal baths in Budapest (such as Lukács, Császár, and Rudas) mainly contain calcium-magnesium-hydrogen-carbonate which is particularly beneficial for musculoskeletal problems and is also good for heart and stomach issues;
- most baths on the Great Plain (e.g., Debrecen, Hajdúszoboszló, Cserkeszőlő) have a bromine-iodine composition, primarily recommended for rheumatological and gynaecological diseases;
- baths around Lake Balaton (Balatonfüred, Csopak, Kékkút) have waters rich in carbon dioxide, which can be applied for venous disorders, high blood pressure, and slow-healing wounds;
- the thermal waters of Miskolctapolca and Hévíz contain radioactive radon, known to have a positive effect on inflammatory rheumatological diseases (Hévíz is also high in sulphur content);
- the waters in Harkány are rich in sulphur, known for its blood pressure-lowering effects and efficacy in treating inflammatory rheumatological diseases and certain skin diseases.