Spas and Arthritis: How Thermalism Relieves Joint Pain

Pubblicato il 9 febbraio 2026 alle ore 18:35

🌿 Introduction

Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) causes pain, stiffness, and functional limitations. In addition to medical therapies, thermal treatments (balneotherapy, muds, hydrotherapy) can offer important benefits: reduction of pain, improvement of mobility, and increase in general well-being. In this article, we see how to best take advantage of a stay at the Euganean Spas during your stay at Casa Luna, with scientific references and answers to the most common doubts about medications.

1) What thermalism can do for arthritis

Heat and immersion: warm thermal water relaxes muscles, improves local microcirculation, and facilitates joint movement by reducing the perception of pain. (clinical evidence). PubMed+1
Mud therapy: applications of warm thermal mud can reduce stiffness and pain, probably through local thermal, mechanical, and chemical mechanisms. PubMed+1
Hydrotherapy: exercises in thermal water allow for low-impact movement, improving strength and functionality without overloading the joints. PubMed
Combined effect on quality of life: thermal stays often report improvements in pain, function, and quality of life that can last weeks-months after treatment. (systematic review and randomized trials). Cochrane+1

2) How to organize the stay at Casa Luna (practical advice)

Personalized program: Speak with your rheumatologist or doctor before the stay and, if possible, bring your ongoing therapy with you. This helps us suggest adequate packages and treatments.
Baths and muds: Prefer moderate temperatures for immersion (approximately 34–38 °C) and sessions of controlled duration. Muds should be applied according to the thermal center's protocols: duration, temperature, and methods are important for safety and efficacy. PubMed
Hydro-gymnastics: Participate in sessions guided by a specialized physiotherapist: exercises in thermal water promote mobility and motor control. PubMed
Rest and outdoor mobility: Alternate treatments with light walks in the parks of the Euganean Hills: gentle outdoor movement completes the thermal path.
Follow medical indications: In case of complex therapies or heart/kidney conditions, ask for medical advice before sauna, prolonged immersion, or mud therapies. PubMed

3) General limits and warnings

The methodological quality of many thermal studies is variable; however, results are consistent in indicating benefits especially for osteoarthritis (pain reduction, functional improvement). For rheumatoid arthritis, the evidence is less robust and should be considered with caution. Cochrane+1
Thermalism is complementary to medical therapies: it does not replace drugs or therapies prescribed by the rheumatologist.
In the presence of major medical conditions (heart failure, infections, kidney problems), consultation with a doctor is mandatory before accessing thermal treatments or sauna. PubMed+1

4) Medications and Spas — possible adverse effects and precautions (practical summary)

Anticoagulants (Warfarin/VKA, DOAC): Risks: bleeding risk generally linked to trauma or invasive procedures; mud therapy itself is generally not considered contraindicated in all cases, but depends on the center's protocol and the patient's clinical state. Some thermal centers in the Euganean area report that anticoagulant therapy is not necessarily a contraindication to muds, but local medical/thermal advice is always advisable. Thermae Abano Montegrotto+1.
Practical advice: inform the center staff and your doctor; avoid treatments involving risk of trauma; follow any indications on elastic stockings post-application in case of previous thrombosis. Paginemediche+1
Diuretics and Antihypertensives (including beta-blockers): Risks: diuretics and some antihypertensives can reduce the body's ability to regulate temperature or cause salt-water imbalances; exposure to intense heat (sauna, very hot baths) or dehydration can lead to hypotension, dizziness, or kidney problems. Nine Stones Spa+2 Healthgrades+2.
Practical advice: hydrate adequately, avoid excessive temperatures and too long sessions in sauna or hot tubs; consult with a doctor before the sauna. PubMed+1
Nitrates, antiplatelets, and vasodilators: Risks: the association of systemic vasodilation (e.g., after hot immersion or sauna) with some drugs can cause hypotension. In people taking nitrates, it is prudent to avoid abrupt temperature changes. prezi.com+1
Antidiabetics and drugs influencing heat sensitivity: Risks: some diabetic patients may have altered thermoregulation or peripheral neuropathies; watch for prolonged heat exposure. portlandhallspa.com
Commonly used drugs (antihistamines, psychotropic drugs, narcotics): Risks: some antihistamines or sedatives can increase the risk of heat stroke or slow the vasomotor response. Nine Stones Spa.

5) Scientific references and useful resources (direct links) [Scientific links as per original text]

Fioravanti A., Efficacy of balneotherapy on pain, function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Int J Biometeorol. 2012. — PubMed. PubMed
Verhagen A.P., Bierma-Zeinstra S.M.A., Balneotherapy or spa-therapy for osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 (agg. evidenze). Cochrane
Protano C., Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology International. 2023. SpringerLink
Tenti S., Spa Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: clinical evidence and duration of benefit (review). PubMed. PubMed
Sauna e controindicazioni (review medico): Hannuksela ML et al., Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. PubMed. (uso cautelativo in cardiopatici e in alcune terapie). PubMed
Indicazioni su farmaci e rischio termoregolatorio (sauna/infrared): risorse professionali e policy dei centri termali (esempi di linee guida e contraindications). Nine Stones Spa+1
FAQ locale Terme Euganee: compatibilità anticoagulanti e fangoterapia (esempio info locale/FAQ). Thermae Abano M
Linee guida e manuali clinici su farmaci (es. MSD Manuals) per effetti di diuretici/antipertensivi. Manuali MSD

Conclusions: your wellness path at Casa Luna

A stay at the Euganean Spas represents a precious opportunity to address arthritis in a complementary way to medical therapies, combining the benefits of thermalism with the relaxation and beauty of the territory.

At Casa Luna, we welcome you in a familiar and comfortable environment, immersed in the greenery of the Euganean Hills and just a few steps from the main thermal centers of the area.

Our structure is the ideal starting point for your healing path: we will help you organize the thermal treatments best suited to your needs, suggesting affiliated centers and personalized packages.

After the sessions of balneotherapy or mud therapy, you can return to the tranquility of Casa Luna to rest, enjoy our common spaces and, if you wish, take pleasant walks in the surroundings.

Our experience in welcoming thermal guests allows us to understand the needs of those seeking relief from joint pain, offering you attentive and discreet support throughout your stay.

Remember: before starting any thermal treatment, always consult your doctor, especially if you take medications or have particular medical conditions.

We will be happy to collaborate with you to make your stay as comfortable and effective as possible. Contact us for more information or to book your wellness stay at the Euganean Spas. We are waiting for you at Casa Luna!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions — useful)

Q: Can I do mud therapy if I take anticoagulants? R: There is no single answer. Many thermal centers (including some in the Euganean Spas) indicate that anticoagulant therapy is not in itself an absolute contraindication to mud therapy, but the decision must be made with the treating physician and communicated to the center staff; in case of previous thrombosis or particular medical procedures, precautions could be required (compression stockings, suspension times or adaptation of the therapy only upon medical indication). Thermae Abano Montegrotto+1
Q: Can I go to the sauna if I take beta-blockers or diuretics? R: People taking beta-blockers, diuretics or other antihypertensives must evaluate with their doctor the access to sauna or very hot baths: these drugs can alter thermoregulation or blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness or fainting. In general, it is better to prefer moderate exposure and hydrate well. Nine Stones Spa+1
Q: Do painkillers (NSAIDs, corticosteroids) influence thermal therapies? R: In general, NSAIDs are not a contraindication to balneotherapy, but if you are being treated with corticosteroids or other immunomodulators, the timing and any contraindications (latent infections, skin fragility) must be managed with the doctor. Always communicate the ongoing therapy to the thermal center. (see precautions section)
Q: Should I stop the therapy before coming to the spas? R: Never stop medications without the doctor's advice. Some situations (e.g. anticoagulant therapy in case of invasive procedures) may require adjustments, but always agreed with the specialist. Nurse24.it