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General questions

Medical Questions

How often can the 3-week cure be taken?

About once a year

Does the cure relieve lower back pain, spinal disc complaints?

Yes, a radon cure is typically indicated for pain of the musculoskeletal system. The radon thermal–motion therapy combination is advised for these ailments.

Can I choose the treatments used?

The spa physician, together with the spa guest, determines the therapy programme.

Does the cure improve osteoporosis?

Yes, radon treatments especially help to relieve the pain. Of course, the prescribed medications must also be taken and osteoporosis-related exercises must be performed. Lymph drainage has also proven effective as a gentle form of massage treatment.

What should I bear in mind regarding venous disease?

Thermal applications are usually not a problem for venous diseases, if you consider the following guidelines:

Apply cold affusions before and/or after all applications of warmth
Cold vein wraps only when prescribed by the spa physician
Compression hosiery
Do a lot of walking, elevate your legs often
Vein medication, if indicated
In any case, consult the spa physician

What should I bear in mind regarding pregnancy / the nursing period?

Gentle back massages and visits to the Alpen Therme Gastein (de-emanated thermal water) are allowed during pregnancy / the nursing period. Undertake other treatments only after consulting your gynaecologist.

What if I’ve had a heart attack within, e.g. the last 6-12 months?

Since the acute phase of a cardiac infarct is usually concluded after a year has passed, radon therapy can be undertaken again, if approx. 100 Watts of power are easily achieved in a stress test (ergometry) after the infarct.

What should I keep in mind regarding blood thinning?

The dosage of your blood-thinning medication should be correct
Extra tests are necessary, due to the different living situation
Due to the danger of haematoma, mechanical therapies (massage, electrotherapy) must be adjusted accordingly by the spa physician

What should I bear in mind regarding high blood pressure?

High blood pressure poses no problem during the cure, provided that the dosage of the medication is correct and that the patient’s blood pressure is checked regularly.

What should I bear in mind after a stroke?

At least 6 months should have passed
The patient’s blood pressure should be stable and checked regularly
The possible causes of the stroke (blood clot, atrial fibrillation) should be treated

I’ve heard that the cure can cause cancer – is that true?

Not one case has been documented anywhere in which the use of radon during a cure has shown carcinogenic effects. There are even studies (Cohen, USA) that have shown that this low-level radiation may even act as a safeguard against cancer.

How can I ensure my cure’s success?

Allow sufficient time for the treatments
Strictly observe the resting periods and rest intervals
Do not overly exert yourself otherwise - walking, easy hiking and cycling are permitted
Drink sufficient liquids

What is a spa-related rash and how can it be prevented?

The frequent water treatments dry out the skin and these and other treatments also cause a strong mechanical and thermal stimulation of the skin. This necessitates regular applications of an enriched cream or body lotion, up to 3x/day.

Does the water in the thermal pool contain radon?

The pools in the Alpen Therme Gastein are filled with thermal water from which the radon has been removed, i.e. they contain de-emanated thermal water.

Do peat packs contain radon?

No.

Why must I consult a Gastein spa physician to receive radon treatments, when I brought a prescription for them from my own doctor?

Only a local spa physician knows the specific radon-related characteristics of our thermal water and has sufficient experience with its application
Provincial law requires the examination by a Gastein spa physician
Furthermore, your physical reactions at the spa differ from those at home

I recently suffered an attack of rheumatism, what should I now keep in mind?

You should by all means bring your current findings to your check-up with the spa physician. The spa physician must then determine with you what amount of warmth therapy you can presently withstand.

Is one visit to the Gastein Curative Tunnel the equivalent of some radon tub treatments?

No.

Does radon also alleviate nerve pain (neuralgias)?

Yes, neuralgias respond well to radon therapy.

Is there also a cold type of radon in Gastein?

No.

Is there a risk of contracting Legionnaires’ Disease during inhalation treatments?

There is absolutely no danger of this.

Is it wrong to shower after the radon tub treatment?

Yes, you should not shower for approximately one hour after the bath, because the curative agent in radon is absorbed through your skin and the radon deposits in your skin activate some of the pain-reducing effects.

I have erectile dysfunction, can radon help me?

Centuries of experience have shown that radon therapy may also improve potency disorders, in the sense of being a positive "side effect"?.

What time of year is best to take a cure?

Basically it doesn’t matter when you come for a cure. Many spa guests prefer to come in the autumn in order to better cope with the intensification of their rheumatic ailments during the winter months.

What is the climate like in Gastein?

Due to its high elevation, Gastein has an invigorating climate, which can have an adverse effect on very sensitive people. But this is usually a temporary condition, which should pass in about a week.

Does the high elevation cause heart problems?

The Gastein spa area is located between 960 to 1280 metres’ elevation. This elevation has plenty of oxygen and is not dangerous in the least for people with heart conditions. On the contrary, the higher altitude increases the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, thus making more oxygen available to you. Athletes, for example, take advantage of this effect during their high-altitude training.