Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Hydrotherapy Research

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease impacting millions globally.
• Effective management strategies for OA symptoms, including pain and reduced mobility, are continuously sought.
• Balneotherapy, utilizing thermal mineral water, presents a potential non-pharmacological treatment option for OA.

Approach:

• A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate balneotherapy's effects on OA.
• Seventeen clinical trials involving adult and elderly patients with knee, hip, hand, or lumbar spine OA were included.
• Studies published in English and Italian, focusing on balneotherapy with thermal mineral water, were analyzed.

Key Points:

• Balneotherapy with thermal mineral water demonstrated consistent improvements in all investigated OA symptoms and signs.
• Significant positive effects were observed in pain reduction and enhancement of quality of life across all included studies.
• Observed benefits are likely due to the inherent physical and chemical properties of the thermal mineral water used.

Conclusions:

• Balneotherapy using thermal mineral water is a promising intervention for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
• The treatment positively impacts key patient-reported outcomes such as pain and quality of life.
• Future research should prioritize high-quality clinical trials with rigorous methodologies to solidify evidence.