Balneotherapy as a support in the treatment of rheumatic diseases – the importance of natural therapeutic resources in symptom relief and quality of life improvement

Aim: The aim of this review paper is to provide an overview of the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the treatment of rheumatic diseases, with particular emphasis on balneotherapy as a complementary therapeutic approach. Materials and Methods: The literature search was conducted across three major databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search terms included combinations of: "Rheumatic Diseases", Rehabilitation", "Functional Recovery", "Physical Therapy", "Balneotherapy", "Spa Therapy", "Mineral Waters", "Therapeutic Mud", "Therapeutic Gases" and "Quality of Life Improvement". Articles in both Polish and English were included. Conclusions: Although balneotherapy does not replace traditional pharmacological treatments, such as the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, it constitutes a highly valuable component in comprehensive therapy. Through its synergistic interaction with other treatment methods, it may contribute to the improvement of motor function, the reduction of muscle tension, and an overall increase in patients’ quality of life. An increasing number of studies confirm the effectiveness of balneotherapy in the treatment of rheumatic diseases while also emphasizing the need for further development of this method. The introduction of standardized treatment protocols in rehabilitation medicine may not only enhance the efficacy of therapeutic procedures but also allow for better adaptation of therapy to the individual needs of patients.