Balneological Therapies

Balneotherapy (bath therapy) is a cure that takes place over an extended period, during which positive effects on the patient’s health are achieved using warmth, curative water, peat or mud. It is used for rehabilitation after an illness, but it can also help relieve chronic ailments or mental strain. Gastein thermal water, which contains the natural noble gas radon, is the central pillar of the Gastein thermal cure.

Tub baths, underwater therapies, inhalations or peat packs are the most important kinds of balneotherapy in Gastein.

Radon Thermal tub bath

The radon thermal tub bath is the most important basic ingredient in any cure. The special tubs hold 480 litres of thermal water at a temperature of 36–38°C. The cure patient soaks for 15 to 22 minutes in the water, which has a radon content of 52 nCi/l and comes from the Elisabeth Spring in Bad Gastein.

The bath causes the body to overheat, which speeds up the metabolic processes. The radon dissolved in the thermal water is absorbed by the body through the skin and the respiratory tract and is then quickly broken down completely. The radon stimulates the cells’ repair system. The regularity of the baths helps return the vegetative nervous system to a steady rhythm.

A rest period of about 30 minutes follows the bath, during which you simply rest, wrapped in your bath towel, without showering or drying off.
 

Radon Thermal underwater therapy

Underwater therapy is the most important means of treating spinal and joint disorders. The body’s buoyancy in the warm water makes it light, almost weightless. The pain-relief provided by the warmth and radon makes exercising the muscles and joints easier. A physiotherapist leads the exercises during the individual treatments. If necessary, the therapy is complemented with water-jet massages from a pressure hose or the use of a Glisson’s sling. Water temperature: 34-36°C, therapy duration: 25 minutes.

A rest period of about 30 minutes follows the bath, during which you simply rest, wrapped in your bath towel, without showering or drying off.

Indications:

• degenerative, rheumatic disorders of the spine and joints
• post-operative conditions with restricted mobility and muscular deterioration
• neurological illnesses with spastic, akinetic and coordination disorders

Thermal-Inhalation

Inhalations using radon-enriched thermal water induce a localized overheating of the tissues. This increases the blood circulation in the mucous membranes, so the body can more easily defend itself against diseases and infections. The thermal water dissolves mucous obstructions and lessens the tendency toward asthmatic spasms in the respiratory passages. Essential oils or medications can also be added to the inhalations.

Peat packs

Hot packs applied to certain parts of the body overheats them, thus increasing the blood circulation and the elimination of metabolic wastes. The positive effects of peat packs are: pain relief, improved function and regeneration. Peat packs have certain advantages over Fango and Parafango applications.  They feature a gentler surge of warmth, plus they require only a bare minimum peat, thanks to a special preparation method. If the patient is peat-intolerant, sacks of wildflowers (Heublumen) can be substituted. Please do not shower with soap after therapy.

Indications:

• Degenerative conditions of the axial skeleton and of the large and small joints of the body (arthroses)
• Painful tendon attachments in the shoulders, knees and hips
• Chronic bursitis
• Dysfunction of the inner organs, particularly of the stomach, liver/gall, lower abdomen and bladder