The balneotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Balneotherapy as a special form of physiotherapy has, with other measures, a definite place in the plan of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The range of indication for a specific application is extremely wide. It can be introduced with different therapeutic objectives and be adapted to the situation prevailing during the course of rheumatoid arthritis. Careful analysis of the individual case is necessary, in which duration, intensity of the disease, activity of the disease process, progression and stage are taken into account. An acute episode of rheumatoid arthritis with high activity of the disease process is an absolute contraindication for any stimulus therapy. It this phase of the disease the most important aim of treatment is to stop the inflammation and ankylosis. The intensely stimulating sulphur and mud baths are indicated mainly in non-progressive forms of rheumatoid arthritis and in post-arthritic arthroses without or with low activity.