Review
Benefits and clinical relevance of balneotherapy for fibromyalgia syndrome: a literature overview
M. Antonelli1, E. Mazzoleni2, M.C. Maccarone3, S. Masiero4, A. Fioravanti5
- World Hydrothermal Organization (OMTh), Levico Terme, and Private Practice for Evidence-Based Preventive and Integrative Medicine, Cavriago, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.
- World Hydrothermal Organization (OMTh), Levico Terme, and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Italy.
- Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Italy.
- World Hydrothermal Organization (OMTh), Levico Terme, Italy. fioravanti7@virgilio.it
CER11
Review
Received: 19/01/2025
Accepted : 10/02/2025
In Press: 26/02/2025
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
This literature overview synthesises evidence on the therapeutic effects of balneotherapy (BT) in fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), focusing on pain relief, psychological health, and quality of life.
METHODS:
A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar up until December 2024. Review studies evaluating BT’s clinical outcomes in FM were included and critically discussed.
RESULTS:
Ten key studies consistently demonstrated BT’s efficacy in reducing pain and disability, with benefits persisting up to six months post-intervention. Improvements in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality were also noted, with programs combining water immersion and other treatments (mud therapy, physical exercises, and patient education) yielding superior outcomes. Mechanistic insights suggest BT’s ability to modulate muscle tension, pain perception, inflammatory markers, oxidative stress, and stress-related hormones such as cortisol, contributing to its multifaceted effects.
CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion, BT is confirmed as an effective non-pharmacological intervention for FM, providing symptom relief with a good level of tolerability. Integration of BT into multidisciplinary care and other therapeutic interventions, such as exercise and/or education, can synergistically amplify and optimise its efficacy by further alleviating the physical and psychological burdens.
