Musculoskeletal diseases
Arthritis, osteoarthrosis, disc disease and spine pathology
The second great indication of Naftalan. Naphthalan baths and applications deliver a deep, lasting anti-inflammatory effect on joints, cartilage and periarticular tissues — without the side-effects of long-term NSAID use.
Rheumatologists send patients to Naftalan for stable rheumatoid arthritis, knee and hip osteoarthrosis, polyarthrosis, cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis, and disc disease that does not require surgery. Naphthenic hydrocarbons reduce synovial inflammation, improve microcirculation in the cartilage and increase joint mobility. Most patients report a clear reduction in pain by the fourth bath, with results that persist 6–12 months. Each protocol pairs balneotherapy with paraffin–naphthalan compresses, naphthalan electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, segmental massage and individual kinesiotherapy.
Conditions treated
- ◆Rheumatoid arthritis (stable forms)
- ◆Osteoarthrosis (knee, hip, polyarthrosis)
- ◆Cervical, thoracic & lumbar osteochondrosis
- ◆Disc herniation (without urgent surgical indication)
- ◆Spondylosis & spondylarthrosis
- ◆Ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew's disease)
- ◆Scapulohumeral periarthritis
- ◆Epicondylitis & chronic tendinitis
- ◆Chronic bursitis
Procedures at Naftalan
Naphthalan baths, paraffin–naphthalan applications on joints, naphthalan electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, ultrasound, classical and segmental therapeutic massage, individual kinesiotherapy, underwater spinal traction.
About musculoskeletal treatment at Naftalan
Which joint conditions are treated at Naftalan?+
Knee and hip osteoarthrosis, polyarthrosis, stable rheumatoid arthritis, cervical and lumbar osteochondrosis, disc disease without urgent surgical indication, spondylarthrosis, ankylosing spondylitis, periarthritis and chronic tendinitis.
When should I expect to feel less pain?+
Most patients report a clear reduction in pain by the fourth bath. Functional gains — easier stairs, longer walks, better sleep — typically continue developing for several weeks after the cure.
Does Naftalan replace anti-inflammatory medication?+
It does not replace prescribed treatment, but most patients are able to substantially reduce NSAID use after a cure. Any medication adjustment should be made with your treating physician.
Is Naftalan therapy appropriate before joint replacement surgery?+
Yes — it is often used to delay surgery in mild to moderate osteoarthrosis, and to optimise the joint before or after intervention. It does not regenerate advanced cartilage loss when arthroplasty is indicated.
How long do the benefits persist?+
Pain relief and mobility gains typically last 6–12 months. Most rheumatology patients book an annual cure to maintain results.
Other therapy categories
Dermatological conditions
Psoriasis, eczema and chronic inflammatory skin disease
Peripheral nervous system
Radiculopathies, sciatica, neuralgia and post-traumatic syndromes
Gynaecological & urological conditions
Chronic pelvic inflammation, prostatitis and inflammatory infertility
Post-traumatic & post-surgical recovery
Recovery after fracture, surgery and orthopaedic intervention
Peripheral vascular diseases
Endarteritis, Raynaud's syndrome and chronic venous insufficiency
Respiratory system
Chronic bronchitis, asthma and post-pneumonia rehabilitation