Therapeutic Effects of Physical (Thermal and Mechanical) Properteis of Hot Springs. Application of Spa Therapy to Rehabilitation

Abstract

Both in the West and the East, heat has been used to appease aches and pains from time-honored experiences, and scientific evidences of thermotherapy has been accumulated and systematized. Thermotherapy is one of the indispensable managements of physical therapy, which consists of the main prop for rehabilitation program, and hydrotherapy also has an important position in the rehabilitation for patients with chronic ailments.
Temperature, buoyancy, hydropressure, chemical compositions and so on of the mineral waters act on the sick body as compound stimuli so that the disturbed functions of patients with chronic disorders are regulated. Balneotherapy is the specific treatment process at spa designed to help physically and functionally handicapped individuals make maximal use of residual capacities.
The author stated in this symposium the therapeutic effects centered mainly in physical side of hot spring bathing in view of experimental results and the clinical experiences at Misasa Spa (radio-active hot springs).
In conclusion, the author has thought that balneotherapy is the one to be indicated for rehabilitation program.