Abstract:

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the role of applying additional balneotherapy to fibromyalgia patients while receiving conventional physical therapy. Materials and Methods: 107 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia for the first time were studied in two groups. Group 1 included patients receiving Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and physical therapy modalities, including superficial hot and therapeutic ultrasounds. Patients in Group 2 received balneotherapy in addition to the therapeutic modalities given to the first group. All patients went through a 10-session treatment program. The evaluation was based on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Quality of Life Short Form-36 (SF-36) before and after the treatment. The total amount of paracetamol tablets consumed was also recorded. Results: There were significant recovery in post-treatment pain VAS, FIQ, and PSQI scores in both groups, compared to before treatment, but the improvements were more pronounced after the balneotherapy. The drug consumption was also significantly lower, and patients treated with balneotherapy expressed better general health and social function scores of SF-36. Conclusion: A combination of balneotherapy with conventional physical modalities appears to be an effective treatment option for fibromyalgia as it positively contributes to the patient's pain, functional status, quality of life and sleep, and drug consumption.

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