MARIÁNSKÉ LÁZNĚ Czech Republic Spa Treatments
THE TRULY AUTHENTIC SPA EXPERIENCE The company Léčebné lázně Mariánské Lázně Marienbad Kur & Spa Hotels continues in the rich tradition of spa care in Mariánské Lázně. All of the company s hotels - Nové Lázně, Centrální Lázně, Maria Spa, Hvězda, Imperial, Pacifik, Butterfly, Vltava and Svoboda, have their own medical team and for spa treatments there are above all, natural medicinal sources mineral springs, unique natural CO 2 gas and peat.
prof. M.D. Richard Rokyta, DrSc., FCMA President of the Czech Medical Academy Mariánské Lázně is the spa of natural carbon dioxide A number of prominent doctors and specialists at various fields of medicine come to Mariánské Lázně. We have talked about the healing effects to the president of the Czech Medical Academy and expert of local natural sources professor Richard Rokyta. Mariánské Lázně is the spa of natural carbon dioxide. Natural carbon dioxide is used in three forms as mineral baths (water carbonated baths), dry carbon gas baths and gas injections. These three spa treatments are the base stones of spa treatment in Mariánské Lázně. Generally, treatments with natural carbon dioxide improve blood circulation. Applications of Maria s gas in the form of gas injections have remarkable medical results in degenerative diseases of the locomotor system and they also significantly decrease pain. Psychologic relaxation, excellent staff and the beautiful ambience of the spa hotels also play a part in the successful improvement of a patients condition. M.D. Pavel Knára Emeritus senior consultant of hotel Nové Lázně The spa industry is an important part of modern medicine, which uses natural healing sources The spa industry in the 21 st century has changed its character. In addition to the classical spa treatments in spas there has now started to be provided, what I would call spa rehabilitation. There are more and more guests with locomotive system problems. The highest increase is with guests after surgeries of locomotive apparatus. You know, when somebody has surgery of endoprosthesis of the hip or knee joint, he or she thinks that they can start to run like when they were young. It is not completely like that. The surgery is the most important part, but then the second step must follow rehabilitation. And right here the potential of our spas are immense. So the 21 st century is for spas the period of spa rehabilitation.
NATURAL MEDICINAL SOURCES For spa treatment we use natural medicinal sources mineral springs, unique Maria s gas and peloids Mariánské Lázně was endowed with the mysterious power of carbon dioxide, which is helpful in several forms. The most visible part are mineral springs, which are saturated with this gas and under the right circumstances can release it. This is used in traditional mineral baths or during mineral water drinking treatment. In drinking treatment, other minerals, present in mineral waters, play their role and determine the success of the treatment. MINERAL SPRINGS The springs differ in their chemical composition, which has an impact on the actual program of mineral water drinking treatment used for various disorders. The amount of water prescribed for the program varies according to the diagnosis and the health condition of the client. Mineral springs of Mariánské Lázně are also used for mineral baths and inhalations. 4 NATURAL MEDICINAL GAS CO 2 The Maria s Spring is actually a powerful gas seepage (99.7 % natural CO 2 ). The natural therapeutic gas is applied in the form of dry carbon gas baths. This treatment is becoming more and more popular since clients not only show lower blood pressure, an improvement of heart activity and improved blood circulation in the lower extremities, but also a significant improvement of sexual functions. In addition, this natural medicinal gas is also applied in the form of gas injections as a part of the treatment of joint diseases, spine problems and heart ischaemia. A completely new treatment is Maria s gas pool with oxygen therapy. It is a dry carbon gas bath in Maria s gas, which is completed with oxygen therapy. PELOIDS PEAT, MUD Peloids are inorganic or organic pottages, which are, after certain modification and heating, used for compresses and wraps. They are made of bog, peat and other mud, which can be found around springs. The material is stocked in piles, where it oxidises in a certain way. Then it is modified and mixed with mineral water and steamed. It is used for 20 30 minutes once it reaches the temperature 40 C. Peat wraps are used for treating locomotive system disorders, gynaecologic illnesses and respiratory system disorders.
MINERAL SPRINGS Mineral waters from the local springs are considered as a true symbol of health More than one hundred mineral springs rise within the wider vicinity of Mariánské Lázně, and there are about forty springs in the town itself. All these mineral springs are cold acidulous springs with temperatures between 7 C and 10 C. Before starting a drinking treatment, always consult your attending doctor, which mineral springs and in what amount is suitable for you. The Cross Spring (Křížový pramen) In view of its therapeutic effects, this spring is primarily used for the treatment of disorders of the digestive tract (stomach complaints, intestines disorders, gall bladder complaints, and liver and pancreas disorders), metabolic disorders (obesity, gout, diabetes mellitus) and allergies related to digestion disorders. The sulphate content in the water has a laxative effect. The Ferdinand Spring (Ferdinandův pramen) The Ferdinand Spring consists of seven individual springs, of which the spring Ferdinand I is accessible for drinking. Its composition is very similar to the Cross Spring; but the mineral content is somewhat higher. The Forest Spring (Lesní pramen) This spring water is used as medicinal drinking water to cure disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract, and it is also used for inhalation to cure disorders of the upper respiratory tract. In addition, it is suitable for curing certain types of urological diseases, such as uric-acid stones, since the water strongly alkalises the acid. The Rudolph Spring (Rudolfův pramen) Due to its diuretic effect, it is used to treat kidney diseases and disorders of the urinary tract. The spring has a very high level of calcium (the ratio of calcium and magnesium being 5:4). Therefore, the drinking treatment is recommended as a supplementary therapy in the treatment of osteoporosis. Its distinctive anti-inflammatory effects make it useful in treating urethritis. The Ambrose Spring (Ambrožův pramen) The Ambrose Spring consists of three individual springs, all of which have very similar chemical compositions. The waters are ferrous acidulous and have a low mineral content. Due to their high ferric content, they are used to cure certain forms of anaemia and its diuretic effects make it useful in treating some urinary tract diseases, lithiasis in particular. The Caroline Spring (Karolinin pramen) Due to its higher content of magnesium (the ratio of calcium and magnesium content being 2:5), the Caroline Spring water is used for treating urological diseases and kidney stones. The magnesium contained in the water prevents the formation of these concrements. 5
INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS INDICATIONS: Locomotive system disorders: vertebrogenous syndrome (backaches), degenerative illnesses of the locomotive system (spine and large joints), osteoporosis, conditions post orthopaedic surgery (with a joint/hip replacement). Kidney and urinary tract diseases: chronic inflammation, kidney and urinary stones after surgery or breaking-up with impulse waves, conditions after kidney and urinary tract surgery, prostate gland disorders (inflammations, conditions post surgery). Respiratory tract illnesses: chronic inflammations, bronchial asthma, allergic colds, conditions post surgery of upper and lower respiratory tract. Metabolic disorders: obesity, gout, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipoproteinemia. Gynaecologic illnesses including infertility therapy: inflammatory illnesses of outer and inner female genitals, conditions after gynaecologic surgery, sterility and infertility, climacteric syndrome, urgent and stress urinary incontinence. Illnesses of circulatory system: condition after myocardial infarction, hypertension of II. up to III. level, dysfunction of periphery blood vessels, ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic diseases of lower limbs and potency disorders. Oncological diseases: rehabilitation of patients after finishing oncological treatment of tumor to breasts, genitals or other oncological diseases except malignant blood diseases. Digestive system illnesses: chronic and palindromic illnesses of the stomach and intestines, conditions after stomach, duodenum, oesophagus and intestine surgery, Crohn s disease, chronic diseases of gall bladder and biliary tract, functional disorders of the biliary tract. Nervous system diseases: root syndromes, Parkinson s disease. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy Acute and infectious diseases Malignant tumours during and after treatment with clinically detectable signs of disease continuation Frequently repeated profuse bleeding of any kind Inability to take care of her/himself and to do everyday activities without the help of another person and incapability of walking independently Irremediable dermal defects Urinary and faecal incontinence Alcohol addiction, addictive drug dependence 6
M.D. Míťa Rosenberg Member of the Czech Urological Society SPA TREATMENT OF UROLOGIC DISEASES A domain of spa treatment are chronic and sub-chronic diseases. Urologic indications classify the diseases treated in the spa into 3 groups: chronic inflammatory diseases urolithiasis (kidney stones) post surgery conditions SPA TREATMENT PRINCIPALS Mineral water drinking treatment, external balneotherapy and diet are especially used for treating nephro-urologic patients in our spas. The composition and character of Mariánské Lázně s mineral springs have predetermined that the spas will be used for treating kidneys and the urinary tract. Mineral water drinking treatment has the effect of increasing diuresis, change to ph reaction of urine, calming inflammation of the urinary tract especially inflammation of the bladder. We use namely 3 mineral springs for drinking treatment in case of urologic indications. Forest Spring has a high content of bicarbonates and it moves urine ph to neutral and as high as alkaline. We use this spring for treating uric acid lithiasis. Rudolph Spring contains a high content of calcium and it is especially suitable for treating urinary tract inflammations. This spring is absolutely unsuitable for phosphate and struvite lithiasis. Caroline Spring has a ratio of calcium to magnesium of 4:5. It is used for phosphate, struvite and more often oxalate lithiasis. Its only disadvantage is the relatively high content of sodium, which requires caution from patients with cardiovascular diseases. For urologic diseases, thermotherapy and treatments with carbon dioxide are the most important aspects of balneotreatments. Carbon dioxide in mineral baths and dry carbon gas baths both significantly increases diuresis. 7
M.D. Miloš Micka Spa Hotel Vltava SPA TREATMENT AFTER HIP JOINT AND KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT Spa medical rehabilitation care is an inseparable part of the overall rehabilitation after hip or knee joint replacement. THE AIM OF SPA TREATMENT The aim of rehabilitation is to gain a patient s independence and to revert them back to normal life. For the success of medical process, not only is perfect surgery necessary, but also correctly performed rehabilitation. After early rehabilitation, which is usually immediately after surgery, the so-called later rehabilitation is performed in spas. Patients come to us 3-12 months after surgery, when we can put more strain on a limb. We use a whole range of medical procedures, indicated according to the stage and course of a disease. The aim of hip joint rehabilitation: free up the limited mobility of joint hip loosen up shortened muscles modify changes to the position of the pelvis and lumbar spine practice the correct walking stereotype The aim of knee joint rehabilitation: complete stretching respectively stretching of a knee knee flexion more than 90 degrees strengthening of quadriceps femoris practice the correct walking stereotype SPA TREATMENT We try to attain the above stated aims with the help. 8 Medical exercise we mainly use individual exercise, further group medical exercise and exercise with the help of exercise devices. We try to increase the extent of mobility in a joint and to prevent muscle contractures and to improve the position of the pelvis and spine.
Water treatment use the physical effect of water, especially hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy and heat effect. We attain improvement in the extension of joint mobility. We use baths in mineral water, pear baths, whirling baths and exercise in rehabilitation pools. Physical treatment we strive to influence pain during muscle spasms. We use medical, underwater and reflective massages. Thermotherapy we use lavaterm or paraffin wraps, which reduce spasms. They are not applied directly on an operated joint, but to the surrounding areas, mostly on the lumbar spine area. Education we recommend to the patient to continue with the movement therapy at home and we give them advice on how to avoid luxation risks during incorrectly performed movement. 9
M.D. Irena Pimková Spa Hotel Hvězda SPA TREATMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE LOCOMOTIVE SYSTEM Chronic diseases of the locomotive system are very common and frequent, it can be said without influence from age or sex. Degenerative diseases especially concern the older generation. They are diseases of the locomotive system that is bones, joints, spine, muscles and tendons. These diseases are considered to be painful and they limit patients movement. Rheumatic diseases are predominantly a part of a more extensive problem. They can affect nearly any tissue or organ in the human body. SPA TREATMENT PRINCIPLES Spa treatment affects the whole organism as one unit. It is not aimed at one organ or one locality, but at the healing mechanisms, which during a spa treatment have a complex effect. Treatment in the form of physical therapy is historically proven, with the emphasis on movement treatment, while the choice of treatment type always depends on the disease/illness stage and activity and further on the overall health condition of the patient. An important regime remedy is weight reduction with obese patients. It is necessary to cure motility disorders by active exercise. Without active exercise, loss of muscle tissue and osteoporosis occur in chronic diseases of the locomotive system. Purposeful physical exercise is only effective when combined with the correction of posture and motion stereotypes, which are the source of a number of chronic complaints. SPA TREATMENT In our company, we purposefully use a wide range of rehabilitation and physical medicine when treating chronic diseases of the locomotive system. Uppermost are treatments with natural healing resources. Spa treatment in the company Léčebné lázně Mariánské Lázně uses rare natural resources, which are abundant in this locality. Spa treatments include mineral baths, peat baths, gas applications, dry carbon gas baths, peloid wraps, electrotherapy, pulsed magnetic therapy, ultrasound, shockwave, laser, medical massages, reflective massages, underwater massages, whirlpool baths, cryotherapy, individual medical exercise, medical exercise in a pool or in a gym. 10
M.D. Růžena Vaňková prof. MUDr. Richard Rokyta, DrSc., FCMA prezident České Grandhotel lékařské akademie Pacifik SPA TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES Mariánské Lázně specialises in treating air passages due its favourable climate. Spa treatment can improve the majority of pathogenic conditions, which can occur during air passage illnesses: changes in the chest, such as various deformations, muscular tonus restrictive lung disorders obstructive changes of bronchi changes in the alveoli membrane Thanks to spirometric examinations a doctor can objectively judge the lung capacity values and expiration per second and detect, if it is an obstructive or restrictive lung disorder. THE AIM OF THE SPA TREATMENT improvement to the ventilation function of air passages restoration of correct respiration mechanics (rib mobility, breathing muscles) restoration of airway patency improvement to the overall resistance of the organism removal of environmental pollutants (allergens, dust, emotional load) SPA TREATMENT IS AIMED AT chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive bronchitis, asthma bronchiale lung fibrosis, conditions after pneumonia conditions after surgeries of the upper and lower air passages and chronic inflammations of the upper air passages POSSIBILITIES OF SPA TREATMENT Climatotherapy for treating respiratory system illnesses the location of Mariánské Lázně at an altitude of 630 m, which correspond to a submontane climate, is very important. We take advantage of such climatic factors as more intensive UV radiation, lower barometric pressure and higher saturation of haemoglobin by oxygen, a higher content of ozone and anions, elimination of dust and allergens. For mineral water drinking treatment Forest Spring is used it is an alkaline salty mineral water with a mucolytic effect. Forest Spring is also used for gargling, possibly for nasal rinsing. Inhalations are taken daily, they are inhalations of Forest Spring with an additive according to the character of a disease. We use ultrasound inhalators, which make aerosol mist of a size of 1-10 microns. These particles penetrate into the bronchi, alveoli and side nasal sinuses. Breathing exercises are important, we do relaxation exercises, which release muscle spasms, corrective exercises, which adjust the posture and strengthen feeble stomach muscles and actual breathing exercises. For other treatments, we mainly use mineral baths with the purpose of improving blood circulation and deepening the breathing, partial massages, thermotherapy and electrotherapy for muscle spasms relaxation, water therapy for increasing performance and immunity of the organism. Oxygen therapy, which helps oxygenation and vein dilatation, also has good effects, it improves elasticity of lung tissue and improves immunity of the organism. Repeated treatment in Mariánské Lázně brings significant improvement to air passage illnesses. 11
M.D. Eva Ublová Spa Hotel Centrální Lázně SPA TREATMENT OF ONCOLOGIC DISEASES In these hurried days, more and more we come across various types of oncologic diseases. Hereditary factors (cancer family), environment, psychological aspects and last but not least higher quality diagnostics contribute to it. Spa treatment is designed for patients after oncologic treatment and for patients in remission. When the patient gets in a state of remission, consequential care is important. THE AIM OF THE SPA TREATMENT Spa treatment is aimed at detoxification of the organism, aftertumour fatigue, improving fitness, treating lymphatic edemas and the improvement of mental condition. Spa treatment must be complex and strictly individual, when a doctor sets a medical plan according to the actual health condition including basic oncological diagnosis. We mainly use natural healing sources with carbon dioxide in healing therapy. Mineral baths we use analgesic, spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory effects and calming effects on the mental condition of the patient in these water carbonated baths. Dry carbonated baths furthermore they quicken healing and improve the function of the small pelvis organs. Gas injections they are subcutaneous applications of natural carbon dioxide, they have strong analgesic and spasmolytic effect. Lymphatic edema can also be affected by manual or mechanical lymphatic drainage (Lymfoven, Lymfopress), when it improves the return of the lymph and flow in the lymphatic tract. A special rehabilitation program and individual or group physical activities are a part of the treatment. Its aim is to improve the condition of the muscular corset and recovery of limited locomotive functions. We use climatotherapy, dietotherapy and natural mineral water for drinking treatments, which aid the overall detoxification. It is also possible to add medical and reflective massages or various types of hydrotherapy to the complete program. The aim of the treatment is to shorten the return period of patients to work and social life and to provide energy needed for the return of life vitality and better condition. 12
M.D. Gabriela Dipoldová prof. MUDr. Richard Rokyta, DrSc., FCMA prezident Spa České Hotel lékařské Nové akademie Lázně SPA TREATMENT OF DIABETIC DISEASES Spa treatment of diabetes mellitus has a tradition in the Czech Republic. We predominantly come across type 2 as a side diagnosis. THE AIM OF THE SPA TREATMENT The basic therapeutic goals are individual for the specific patient and they are aimed at: Improving metabolic compensation, affecting the risk factors of atherosclerosis (obesity, higher level of blood lipids, hypertension, vascular diseases, smoking, lack of movement), treatment of diabetic complications and at the same time treatment of accompanying diseases, educating the diabetics. The means of a complete spa treatment of diabetes are above all taking spa treatments such as baths predominantly mineral, but also whirling, with additives, dry carbon gas baths, peat wraps, gas injections, electrotherapy, inhalations, medical as well as reflective massages, therapeutic exercise individual, group, in a pool. The diet for diabetics is marked as a diet with restriction of saccharides, alternatively we also prescribe reduction diet. Mineral water drinking treatment drinking mineral water affects urine composition. Alkalisation of the body s internal environment, modification of digestive system disorders and at the same time positively affects kidney diseases. 13
M.D. Dominika Benešová Spa Hotel Butterfly SPA TREATMENT OF SKIN DISEASES Skin diseases were treated in Mariánské Lázně according to historic records until the middle of the 1980s. Recently we have been trying to revive this medical tradition using modern knowledge from dermatology. 14 SPA TREATMENT PRINCIPLES Natural springs with a higher content of sulphates and other minerals are located in Mariánské Lázně. Namely they are Cross Spring and Ferdinand Spring. They are used in the form of external baths for treating skin problems. It is a safe, effective and pleasant form of application. Therapeutic baths can be total or partial (arms, lower limbs). Sulphates in mineral water have an astringent effect and so they sooth weeping of the skin. Sulphates are partially absorbed by the skin and they are incorporated into the connective tissues, which helps to improve skin elasticity. In the above-mentioned springs, magnesium is also present, which has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin and also reduces itching. The water itself hydrates the skin, decreases ph, softens hard skin and consequently improves permeability for UV radiation and diluted therapeutic substances. The absorption of healing substances is also accelerated by the presence of carbon dioxide in mineral water. Furthermore it affects the skin s senses perception of cold, pain and it reduces itching. Bathing in other, less mineralised springs can be enriched by adding Dead Sea salts, which have a proven affect for the below-stated indications. In general, the external balneotherapy by sulphate waters is prescribed for chronic dermatologic diseases, atopic eczema and some types of psoriasis. To gain sufficient effectivity, mineral bath treatment should be taken 3x per week for a minimal period of 2 3 weeks. The bath should take 15 30 minutes, a patient should have all affected body parts submerged. Regarding skin dehydration, it is important to regularly apply a cream or lotion after baths. A bath treatment can be combined with light therapy (UVA/B) during spa treatment of psoriasis. Another traditional spa treatment, which has been proven for dermatosis, is peloid therapy. In the case of Mariánské Lázně it means peat wraps. Peat has an anti-inflammatory effect, suppresses growth of bacteria and furthermore it has great ability to bind substances discharged from the body through the skin. The clean environment and climate in Mariánské Lázně, without industrial pollution, contributes to soothing allergic and inflammatory symptoms of the skin. All the above-mentioned factors together positively affect the process of long term skin diseases and enable the overall regeneration of the organism.
M.D. Marie Micková Spa Hotel Hvězda SPA TREATMENT OF NEUROLOGIC DISEASES The typical neurologic indications we treat, are Parkinson s disease, multiple sclerosis and vertebrogenic radicular (root) syndromes. THE AIM OF SPA TREATMENTS For clients with Parkinson s disease, movement treatment is the most important, where the stress is laid on overall mobility and treatment is aimed at symptoms of hypokinesis and rigidity. During individual medical exercise we especially prefer walking training. For clients with multiple sclerosis, rehabilitation is aimed at strengthening flaccid muscles, stretching of shortened muscles, improvement of taxis and spatial orientation. The following treatments are used: water treatments, dry carbon gas baths, baths with additives, various types of massages, especially reflective massages, gas injections, peloid therapy, cryotherapy, individual and group medical exercise and other treatments according to a patient s health condition. Vertebrogenic radicular (root) syndromes are back pains, which irradiates from the spine to limbs or the head. These chronic disorders are very persistent and most often they are based on age conditioned degenerative changes to the musculoskeletal and joint system. The following treatments are used: mineral baths, dry carbon gas baths, medical exercise, various types of massages, especially reflective massages, various types of electrotherapy, peloid therapy and other treatments according to a patient s health condition. Mineral water drinking treatment, diet therapy and climatotherapy are also a part of the complete treatment. We prepare an individual treatment plan for each patient according to their health condition. 15
INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR SPA GUESTS Always consult your attending doctor for treatments suitable for you. Indication of individual treatment is always individual according to the character of illness and the overall patient s condition. A medical program is strictly set by the attending doctor. Always consult your attending doctor for mineral water drinking treatment. Never drink more mineral water than your attending doctor prescribed. If you are intolerant to any treatment, tell your attending doctor. Your medical plan is regulated by a computer. Please keep to your assigned times of treatments. If you cannot keep to the given time, contact a nurse in the spa hotel. All problems, which may occur during treatment, are solved directly on the spot with managers. Peat wrap is a treatment, which represents a strong load during cardiovascular diseases. A doctor always has to decide about the suitability of the peat wrap. Do not change medical therapy assigned at home without the doctor s agreement. Often, on the third and fourth day of treatment the so called spa reaction can occur, which means that you can temporarily feel worse. Rudolph Spring is not suitable for patients with phosphate kidney stones. Maria s Spring is not a mineral water spring, but natural spa gas, which is used for dry carbon gas baths and gas injections. Mineral baths in Mariánské Lázně, which besides carbon dioxide and mineral salts, contain humic acids, which are an important part of peat. Never ask for a different temperature of mineral bath water, other than which has been prescribed by a doctor. In general, the cooler the bath the more effective it is and it also has more bubbles. LÉČEBNÉ LÁZNĚ MARIÁNSKÉ LÁZNĚ A.S. Masarykova 22, 353 01 Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic Tel.: +420 / 354 655 501-9, Fax: +420 / 354 655 500 E-mail: reservations@badmarienbad.cz www.marienbad.cz