The term rheumatism is familiar to every reader. But do you also know what different types of rheumatism there are, what the causes of rheumatic diseases are or how to recognize symptoms early on? Also learn what a professional rheumatism treatment can do for the patient.
Rheumatism treatment
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Fighting rheumatic diseases
The most popular hotels for Rheumatism treatment
7 nights from
£1,208
- 5%
Malteser Klinik von Weckbecker
FIRST CLASS
Germany · Rhoen / Vogelsberg · Bad Bruckenau
SpaDreams Tip: Weckbecker Classic Fasting (7 or 10 nights)
Marvelous
4.6
/57 nights from
£1,919
Kunzmann's Hotel | SPA
S
Germany · Rhoen / Vogelsberg · Bad Bocklet
Classic Ayurveda Therapy - Regeneration
Excellent
4.7
/57 nights from
£590
VitalHotel Ascona
Germany · Luneburg Heath · Bad Bevensen
Change of Scenery
Fabulous
4.4
/514 nights from
£766
- 25%
Ypsylon Resort
COMFORT
Sri Lanka · West Coast Sri Lanka · Beruwala
Classic Ayurveda Therapy - Panchakarma
Marvelous
4.6
/55 nights from
£455
Concordia Vitalhotel & SPA
S
Germany · Alpine foothills · Oberstaufen
Indulgence Days
Marvelous
4.6
/57 nights from
£610
Klinik & Gesundheitszentrum am Kurpark
COMFORT
Germany · Rhoen / Vogelsberg · Bad Salzschlirf
Special Back Therapy
Great
4.2
/5Popular topics
Interesting facts about rheumatism
On this page we would like to inform you about the causes and the different types of rheumatism. Furthermore, we will show you how you can noticeably alleviate your rheumatic complaints through a spa vacation.
Definition - What is rheumatism?
The term rheumatism refers to a series of painful and function-impairing diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These include disorders of joints, muscles, cartilage, bones, ligaments and tendons, as well as organs or the nervous system.
The term rheumatism means something like "pulling pain". Consequently, most rheumatic diseases are accompanied by pain and functional limitations. But also tiredness, tingling or numbness in the extremities or lack of concentration can be added as symptoms.
Causes of rheumatism
The causes of rheumatism are as varied as the forms of the disease. Therefore, they can not be named sweepingly. However, the most widespread are the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, which are due to a dysfunction in the immune system. The earlier rheumatism is detected, the better are the chances for a successful therapy.
Rheumatic diseases: What are the types of rheumatism?
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases
These include, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, the most common inflammatory disease of the joints and Morbus Bechterew, in which mainly the spine and pelvis are affected.
Also psoriatic arthritis belongs to this group. In most cases, the affected person has an autoimmune problem, which is why the conditions are not curable.
Degenerative rheumatic diseases
The most common conditions of this type are arthritis. In osteoarthritis, for example, the cartilage in the knees, hips, fingers or toes may be damaged.
Even the joints of the spine can be affected. However, degenerative rheumatic diseases are mostly wear and age-related problems.
Metabolic disorders
This group includes metabolic and hormonal joint diseases, such as diabetes, gout, and many more that result in rheumatic complaints. An (accessory) hyperthyroidism can also be accompanied by rheumatic complaints.
Rheumatic pain diseases
This category includes, for example, fibromyalgia (also "soft tissue rheumatism" or fiber-muscle pain), a chronic pain disease of the joint and musculoskeletal system. This disease mostly affects people between the ages of 40 - 60. They complain of pain that usually lasts for months in several parts of the body. However, damage to muscles, joints or organs is not typical. In addition, tendon attachment irritations (such as the so-called tennis elbow) of the bursitis also belong to this group of rheumatism conditions.
Chronic bone diseases
Under this section fall osteopathies such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease of aging that makes the bone thinner, more porous and thus more susceptible to injury with the years.
Prevent rheumatic diseases
Unfortunately, rheumatic diseases cannot be cured, but they can be contained with certain therapies and medications, the symptoms improved and sometimes even brought to a standstill. The goal is to keep the patient pain-free as far as possible, to prevent secondary damage and thus to improve the quality of life in the long term. Pain-relieving measures can be used to alleviate movement restrictions, and physiotherapy and outpatient therapy also provide help. The decisive factors here are the care of a qualified physician with many years of experience in rheumatology and the patient's will.
The right diet for rheumatism
As with all health problems, one can also achieve with rheumatism with the correct nutrition already a clear improvement of the complaints. Since various foods, as well as meat and sausage, also have an influence on the inflammation-promoting process in rheumatism, these should be avoided if possible. Thus, at the same time, attention should be paid to a balanced and healthy diet.
Briefly and succinctly this means:
- Avoid meat. This is suspected of exacerbating inflammation in the body.
- Attention to a balanced, vitamin and mineral-rich diet.
- Nourish yourself base excess. More info on this can be found on our alkaline diet page.
- Integrate omega-3 fatty acids in your diet (eg in salmon, mackerel, flaxseed, linseed oil, canola oil, walnuts, ...)
These types of retreats help especially well with rheumatism
Specially recommended are retreats focusing on thermal healing water, radon and sulfur, which loosen muscles through heat and other processes, promote blood circulation and thus have an invigorating effect. The external and internal effects of the healing substances are achieved through drinking or bathing therapy. In addition to mental and physical relaxation and the relief of inflammation, the self-healing powers of the body are activated.
Also moor baths and healing mud packs are suitable for promoting blood circulation due to their long-lasting warming effect and enable a pain-relieving, as well as anti-inflammatory effect. Click here to find out more about balneotherapy.
An Ayurvedic retreat provides comprehensive relief for rheumatism, addressing the root causes of the condition while promoting overall well-being. Through tailored dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and therapeutic treatments such as massage and steam therapy, individuals experience relief from pain and inflammation while improving joint mobility. Stress reduction techniques like yoga and meditation, combined with the tranquil environment of the retreat, further support the healing process. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, an Ayurvedic retreat offers a holistic approach to managing rheumatism and enhancing quality of life. Please click the link for more information on Ayurveda retreats in general.
Fasting represents an alternative treatment for rheumatism. Regular fasting can help with a surprising number of health problems, ranging from allergies to skin conditions to rheumatism. While fasting alone cannot replace professional medical therapy, for many patients it is a great additional measure that comes with many health benefits. Because therapeutic fasting counteracts all (chronic) inflammation in the body, it can be especially helpful for inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to your treating physician and ask if a fasting retreat is right for your situation. Click here to learn more about fasting therapy.
A Kneipp therapy can also have a positive effect on the success of treatment for rheumatic complaints. Although Kneipp water treatments do not help against rheumatism per se, but against the associated rheumatic pain, which affects a large proportion of rheumatism patients. A Kneipp therapy can contribute thereby for example to a clear reduction of the medicine admission. A warm arm or foot bath or a hay flower bath are popular water treatments for rheumatism. Alternating showers, alternating arm or foot baths, or treading water can also relieve your symptoms. Get to know more about Kneipp therapy.
The most beautiful destinations for rheumatism spas
Europe offers diverse spa experiences for rheumatism, including renowned thermal baths, coastal thalassotherapy, and medical spas. From Hungary to Spain, these destinations provide natural remedies and therapeutic treatments supervised by healthcare professionals. Whether seeking relaxation or relief from joint pain, Europe's spa offerings cater to diverse needs amidst picturesque settings, promising rejuvenation and well-being.
Asia offers a variety of rheumatism treatments, including the renowned Dead Sea as well as destinations like Thailand, Bali, India, and Sri Lanka. These locations provide holistic wellness traditions such as Ayurveda and traditional Thai massage, offering specialized spa treatments and herbal therapies amidst serene environments for relaxation and healing.
Discovering rheumatism treatments and spas worldwide opens up a plethora of possibilities for suitable destinations. From renowned options like the Dead Sea to exotic locales such as Thailand, Bali, India, and Sri Lanka, each offers unique approaches to healing. Whether seeking mineral-rich waters, holistic wellness traditions, or specialized spa treatments, there's a destination to suit every preference and need. Explore the world's diverse offerings and embark on a journey toward relaxation, rejuvenation, and relief from rheumatic symptoms.
FAQ - All about rheumatism
Which clinic is recommended for rheumatism?
These are our best-rated clinics and hotels for treating rheumatism:
- PREMIERE Luxury hotel terme & spa - Rating: 5.0
- Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa - Rating: 5.0
- Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa - Rating: 4.9
- Hiru Mudra Tagiru Ayurveda Resort - Rating: 4.9
- Grifid Hotel MEDISPA Encanto Beach - Rating: 4.9
- Ayurveda Resort Mandira - Rating: 4.9
- Sathya Ayurveda - Hotel Villa am Park - Rating: 4.8
- Ermitage Bel Air Medical Hotel - Rating: 4.8
- Hotel Terme Quisisana - Rating: 4.8
- Kurhotel Imperial - Rating: 4.8
Does rheumatism only affect older people?
The conditions by no means affect only the elderly, but people in every age group. In Germany, for example, about 20,000 children and adolescents under the age of 16 are affected.
What symptoms indicate rheumatism?
The following symptoms indicate a rheumatic disease:
- Painful and stiff joints in the morning (for at least half an hour)
- Sensitive, warm or swollen joints
- Joint pain even at rest (e.g. at night)
- Rheumatic nodules
- Large movement restrictions
- A general feeling of illness (fatigue, night sweats, fatigue).
Why is rheumatism not curable?
Today, rheumatism is not curable despite constant medical progress. Thanks to modern therapies, however, the pain can be effectively alleviated and the destruction of the joints can at least be halted. In general, the earlier the person affected starts, the greater the chances of preventing permanent damage.
How much does a rheumatism treatment cost at SpaDreams?
An overnight stay in a spa hotel can be booked for as low as £186. The prices depend heavily on the destination, the type of catering, the spa facility and the spa program.
How does a rheumatism treatment work?
In the medical treatment of rheumatic conditions, mainly physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy (with heat, cold and electricity) and exercise therapy have proven successful. So, if you choose a professional rheumatism treatment, you can probably expect a combination of these different fields of application. But you can also find out how the individual treatments work on our respective hotel pages, where the treatments of the retreats are listed.
For what ailments does a rheumatism treatment help?
A therapy can provide relief for all rheumatic complaints. In the inflammatory forms of rheumatism, for example, diagnoses are often made quite late, when irreversible damage has already occurred. A therapy then helps to prevent the condition from getting worse. The treatment preserves the function of the joints or the entire musculoskeletal system, and the pain-relieving measures relieve the patient.
What are the benefits of rheumatism treatments?
Staying in a rehab facility helps those affected to better cope with everyday life or professional life with the conditions. In addition to beneficial and strengthening treatments, lectures on the subject are also a central part of a rehab. In this way, the patient learns everything important about the disease and how a pain-free life is possible again. In addition, rehab can reintegrate patients with severe forms of rheumatism into social life.