Balneotherapy and Peloid Therapy Impact Small Joint Diseases

Subjects of the experimental and control groups will receive routine procedures applied in the resort sanatorium: physiotherapy (28-32), occupational therapy (12-18), dry hydromassage (7-8), psychotherapy or audiovisual relaxation (3-4), social worker's visit ( 1-2), physiotherapy (magnetotherapy, ultrasound therapy (8-9).

"The bath is filled with 200 litres of warm tap water at 36-38°C. The participant lies in the prepared bath, ensuring the chest area remains uncovered. While in the bath, the participant performs gentle movements. The procedure lasts 12-15 minutes. Air is pumped into the water to increase the oxygen saturation in the bath environment.~A prepared gel pack will be placed in another bag and heated to 50-55°C. The heated pack will be delivered to the treatment area using pumps. For applications, the gel pack is used at 40-42°C. Temperature of the gel pack can range between 38-43°C."

"Therapeutic mud applications: peat brought from the quarry is sifted, ground, and mixed with natural mineralisation of 20-22g/l with mineral water in a ratio of at least 4:1 until the consistency of thick sour cream. The prepared peat mud is heated to 50-55 degrees. The heated mud is fed to the place where the procedures are performed with the help of pumps. Mud mass at 40-42 degrees is used for applications. A mud temperature range of 38-43 degrees is possible.~Before the procedure, it is recommended not to eat, go to the toilet, or take a warm shower. A polyethene film is laid on a special heated couch, and a 2-4 cm thick layer of mud is poured into the area of the hands and feet, covered with a blanket. After the procedure, the subject takes a warm, lukewarm shower, wipes himself with a soft towel, and rests. Peloids are not reused."

The pearl bath is prepared by a physical method. The bath is filled with 200 l of warm 36-38 C mineral water, the subject lies in the prepared bath, leaving the heart area open, while lying in the bath he performs light movements. The duration of the procedure is 12-15 minutes. Air is blown into the water, which increases oxygen saturation in the bath environment. Before the procedure, it is recommended not to eat, go to the toilet, take a warm shower. After the procedure, the subject takes a warm, lukewarm shower, wipes himself with a soft towel and rests. Mineral waters are not reused.