Balneoterapia

Balneotherapy, also known as spa therapy, is the therapeutic use of natural or artificial baths, particularly mineral waters, along with related treatments such as peloid therapy and mud baths. Treatments may involve full-body immersion, partial immersion, or surface applications and are usually carried out in dedicated spa or medical facilities under professional supervision. Balneotherapy is used to relieve pain, improve function, and promote relaxation as part of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Historically, balneotherapy dates to ancient civilizations and rose in 19th-century Europe in spa towns with mineral springs. Today it is widely offered as a medical service and integrated into spa or rehabilitation programs. Modalities include mineral-water baths at specific temperatures, carbonated baths, and peloid therapies using minerals-rich muds. Some programmes combine bathing with hydrotherapy, massage, or respiratory therapy.

Mechanisms of balneotherapy are thought to arise from thermal effects, buoyancy, mechanical massage from water movement, and chemical effects from dissolved minerals. Reported benefits include pain relief, improved joint mobility, reduced muscle spasm, improved circulation, and stress reduction. Evidence varies by condition; there is some support for nonspecific low-back pain, osteoarthritis, and certain skin conditions, but high-quality trials are limited for many indications.

Safety and contraindications include fever or infectious disease, acute illness, skin infections, and certain cardiovascular or renal conditions. Treatments should be conducted by trained personnel, with attention to water quality, temperature, and duration to minimize risks such as overheating, dehydration, or skin irritation. Balneotherapy is typically considered a complementary approach rather than a stand-alone primary treatment for complex illnesses.