After more difficult years due in part to the Covid 19 pandemic, hydrotherapy is once again becoming attractive. It thus strengthens its role as a health player through the proven results of thermal medicine and its involvement in research.
From January 25 to 28, the Thermalies show in Paris welcomes more than 70 thermal spas. The opportunity for professionals, doctors and care managers to present to the general public a complete overview of the thermal offerings with thematic conferences. Thermal activity is gradually returning to cruising speed. Indeed, in 2023, hydrotherapy saw an increase of 5.86% compared to 2022.
457,700 spa guests in 2023
The Covid 19 pandemic has spared no sector, as indicated in the press release from the CNETh (National Council of Thermal Establishments). If in 2023, hydrotherapy saw an increase of 5.86% compared to the previous year with an attendance of 457,700 spa guests who followed a medicalized thermal treatment; This attendance nevertheless remains down 21% compared to 2019 (580,000 spa guests), the reference year. And yet, hydrotherapy has a major role in health through the proven results of thermal medicine and its involvement in research.
Prevention at the center of thermal medicine
At a time when Europe is adopting, for the first time, a national public health strategy for a period of ten years, the CNETh is pleading in favor of a greater contribution from thermal medicine to the implementation of this national health strategy, participation in “Aging Well”, and better integration into the territorial health offer to deploy prevention. “The patient population is getting younger and some spa guests between 55 and 65 years old are taking short stays in order to better prevent future health problems. Our role in prevention is essential in order to detect certain fragilities and allow for overall support,” the spokesperson said. from CNETh. According to the latter, “thermal medicine is able to make a significant contribution to healthy aging alongside other health actors. The systematic and early identification of the vulnerabilities of spa guests is the subject of a national protocol “an experiment agreed with UNCAM and which must be implemented this year”.
Hydrotherapy for better overall patient care
Recognized as health services in their own right, thermal establishments provide their skills and know-how in terms of comprehensive patient care and prevention. Indeed, thermal medicine intervenes at different levels:
- For patients with a chronic illness: support for traditional treatment or prevention of complications;
- Helps delay the onset of dependency to support aging;
- Treatment for certain addictions;
- Promotes the rehabilitative and educational approach of patients;
- Improves the quality of life of patients;
- Prevention of morbidity and mortality in metabolic disorders.
Moreover, several clinical studies illustrate the SMR (Medical Service Rendered) or the SMER (Medico-Economic Service Rendered) of thermal cures on patients. Nine studies are still being carried out and will undoubtedly allow establishments to provide additional proof of their significant contribution to healthy aging.
