How does mud-bath therapy work?

Hot thermal mud (40-42°C), matured in sulphurous water, is applied to the affected areas; a thermal bath or hydromassage follows, completing the anti-inflammatory action and promoting muscle relaxation.

Is thermal mud helpful for osteoarthritis?

Yes: mud-bath therapy is among the most established thermal treatments for osteoarthritis and chronic joint conditions, as a support to treatments for pain and joint mobility, on medical advice.

Mud-bath therapy for arthritis

Mud-bath therapy

Mud-bath therapy combines the application of hot thermal mud (40-42°C) with a subsequent bath in sulphurous water: it is the reference thermal treatment for osteoarthritis, extra-articular rheumatism and chronic musculotendinous pain. The mud matures in the sulphurous water of the Acque Albule and the heat aids the penetration of the minerals dissolved in it. NHS-accredited with a GP referral.

Treatment accredited with the Italian National Health Service — Thermal mud with therapeutic bath under the National Health Service; one cycle per year is covered.

What it involves

Mud and balneotherapy is among the best-known thermal treatments for the support of chronic osteoarticular disorders — osteoarthritis, extra-articular rheumatic conditions and some painful musculotendinous conditions. The programme combines the application of warm thermal mud (fango) with the subsequent action of the thermal water: a combined treatment aimed at muscle relaxation, improved joint mobility and reduction of painful symptoms.

The mud used derives from the maturation of clay in sulphurous thermal water. The controlled heat and the mineral component help make it a tool traditionally used in spa medicine to support the joints and the periarticular structures.

After the application, the thermal bath or hydromassage completes the programme, thanks to its muscle-relaxant effect. Where provided for, the treatment is also available under the Italian National Health Service (SSN).

Prices

Mud and warm sulphurous bath: € 35,00 per session.

How to access the cure

With the SSN

You need the red prescription form (ricetta rossa) from your GP (family doctor), which must state the condition, the diagnosis and the cure. For it to be valid for this cure, it must carry the following wording, written in Italian (meaning: “A cycle of 12 sessions of mud and balneotherapy is requested for osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions or extra-articular rheumatic conditions”):

Si richiede un ciclo di 12 sedute di fango-balneoterapia per osteoartrosi e altre forme degenerative oppure reumatismi extra-articolari

With the prescription form you are entitled to a cycle of twelve sessions, paying only the co-payment (ticket). The SSN covers one cycle of cures per year. War and service invalids, blind people, deaf people and civil invalids (including those with an invalidity between 34% and 66%) may have a second one in the same year, to treat the condition that caused the invalidity. The second cycle is also paid according to one’s own exemption.

Privately (self-paying)

Access is also possible without a prescription form, with the clearance of the spa physician. Preferential terms are available for a second cycle of cures in the same year and for affiliated organisations: ask at the Admissions desk.

For private access the admission medical examination costs € 20,00; with an SSN prescription it is included in the cycle of cures. The prices of individual sessions are shown above. Information: 0774 408500.

Booking

Booking is compulsory. Sessions are arranged at the thermal establishment, during the department’s opening hours, on presentation of the red prescription form.