Balneotherapy + aquatic exercise for fibromyalgia – two independent studies highlight importance of water
Exercising in water improves function and quality of life for people with fibromyalgia says a new review of the evidence. And so does balneotherapy, the treatment of disease by bathing in mineral springs.
Fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat. Over the last few years, research has pinpointed exercise as being one of the most effective ways of reducing symptoms of pain, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia. Now a new review of the evidence lends further weight to the importance of exercise, in particular, aquatic physical therapy.
Experts scrutinised a total of 14 studies involving 762 people. Compared with other exercises or no exercise, people who did aquatic physical therapy enjoyed stronger benefits. There were significant differences in scores of pain, function, impact of fibromyalgia and quality of life.
The team involved concludes that “aquatic physical therapy may have some benefits on the clinical symptoms, physical function, and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.”
Balneotherapy
Different experts analysed 21 studies. They found that when combined with spa treatments or exercise, balneotherapy seems to improve perceived sleep for people with fibromyalgia.
People affected by other health issues including ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain and tendinopathy, had equally positive outcomes.
“Balneotherapy associated with other spa treatments and physical exercise seems to be effective in improving self-perceived sleep quality,” the experts say.
Finding balneotherapy centres in the UK could be a stretch, however. Italy, Germany or Japan have a wider array of options.
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