Supplemental Therapies in the Gastein Healing Gallery
Active & passive:
A treatment at the Gastein Healing Gallery involves more than just sessions inside the tunnel itself. Depending on your condition, the doctor will prescribe and recommend additional physical therapies that are appropriate for you. Below you will find an overview of all additional physical therapies offered at the Gastein Healing Gallery health center. Bookings and appointments can be made by phone or email.
An overview
Energetic Acupoint Massage
Penzel acupoint massage works as a regulatory therapy according to the principles of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). As a successful combination of classical Chinese knowledge about the energy cycle in the human body and the deflection and redirection of energy flows in the organism with methods of physical therapy, Penzel's energetic acupoint massage (APM) has been gaining increasing attention in conventional medicine for many years.
Pain in general and painful disorders of the musculoskeletal system in particular are seen as energy blockages, congestion, or at least a disturbed flow of qi (the universal life energy) in certain meridians. APM begins with an assessment of the so-called energetic findings. Special attention is also paid to the sacroiliac joints. Then a so-called tension balancing massage is performed, using a special stick as an aid.
The therapy is performed in the prone or supine position. Significant vegetative reactions may occur after the first few sessions. Therefore, it is always advisable to build up the treatment over several sessions. This may be followed by interference suppression treatment around scars. (The optional supplementary spinal therapy according to Penzel involves certain movements that depend on the breathing phase and can then be continued at home to permanently or repeatedly release blockages.) According to TCM, APM is generally indicated for many types of pain in the musculoskeletal system, and is particularly useful for all spinal complaints that are not caused by an acute herniated disc, for complaints in the shoulder and pelvic girdle, but especially for fibromyalgia; it is also used for bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Breathing Exercises
Our breathing is largely unconscious, and shallow breathing is part of everyday life. We often only breathe consciously and deeply into our abdomen when we are exerting ourselves or experiencing shortness of breath. Inhaling is an active process that requires the interaction of many muscles. Targeted breathing exercises strengthen the respiratory muscles and thus increase your breathing capacity. These exercises and regular breathing training play an important role, especially for patients with respiratory and lung diseases. In addition, breathing exercises relax you almost instantly and promote concentration. Breathing exercises are not recommended if you have an unstable cardiovascular system.
Breathing exercises & breathing therapy for COPD and bronchitis
Respiratory therapy deals with diseases (such as chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and many more) and functional disorders of the lungs. It works both prophylactically (preventively) and as follow-up treatment. Effective respiratory therapy should help reduce breathing resistance, eliminate incorrect breathing patterns, loosen secretions, increase ventilation, strengthen the respiratory muscles, and improve overall performance.
Breathing Therapy with Tapping Massage (Vibrax massage)
At the beginning of the therapy, the thorax (= chest) is prepared using manual techniques. This involves performing short, quick, gentle tapping movements with cupped hands. In addition, a Vibrax massage device is used, which moves in three directions: horizontally to the left and right, and vertically into deeper layers of the body. This vertical massage direction in particular allows deeper muscles, tendons, and other types of tissue to be treated very effectively.
Another problem for many lung patients is thick mucus that settles in the bronchi and narrows the airways. The Vibrax massage in the chest area has a deep effect on the bronchi. It loosens the secretions from the bronchial walls, making it easier for the patient to cough them up. The unimpeded removal of secretions is therefore an essential goal of respiratory tapping massage.
In combination with special breathing exercises, this therapy improves oxygen uptake, strengthens the respiratory muscles, and improves and stabilizes lung function. Respiratory therapy is therefore extremely effective for asthma or COPD, among other things, and specifically supports the healing effects of your radon climate therapy in the Healing Gallery.
Connective Tissue Massage
Connective tissue massage is a manual stimulation therapy from conventional medicine and was discovered in 1929 by German physiotherapist Elisabeth Dicke. In contrast to classic therapeutic massage, connective tissue massage does not directly influence the muscles, but rather works on the surrounding finer structures. Special techniques are used to influence the subcutaneous tissue, fasciae, and unconscious regulatory circuits, with the aim of achieving a vegetative rebalancing. This is because each nerve root of the spinal cord supplies specific segments of the body. A diseased organ within such a segment also disrupts certain areas of the skin and muscles. Therapeutic treatment of the connective tissue can therefore also have a counteracting effect on the internal organ. Connective tissue massage is thus an ideal complementary treatment to radon therapy in the Healing Gallery, especially for fibromyalgia patients.
Indications and therapy goals: Stimulation and improvement of breathing is achieved, which is important in combatting various diseases, not only bronchial asthma. BGM also facilitates a change of mood in cases of fibromyalgia, allergic dispositions, sleep disorders, states of exhaustion, or so-called weather sensitivity.
Breuss Massage
This treatment was developed by Rudolf Breuß, a naturopath from Vorarlberg, as an advanced massage technique to relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs while promoting deep relaxation. The Breuß massage is often referred to as a "rejuvenation cure" for the intervertebral discs. The Breuß massage procedure and the effects of this treatment are based on empirical data. In the prone position, gentle energetic strokes can be used to release muscular tension in the neck, back, or pelvic region and eliminate muscle imbalances and vertebral joint blockages. St. John's wort oil is used as a carrier, and at the end of the treatment, tissue-paper pads and specific strokes are used to energize and deeply and pleasantly warm the back region.
Breuss Massage: Rheumatism
This form of massage is effective for all tension and blockages in the spine, especially for rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia and Bechterew's disease (not for recent disc herniations, spondylolisthesis, or severe osteoporosis).
Electrotherapy
Electrotherapy refers to the medical application of electrical current. It is used to stimulate a part of the body or to relieve pain and can be an ideal complement to physiotherapy. Electrotherapy is always administered individually at a level below the pain threshold of the individual patient. Today, electrotherapy is used, among other things, for pain treatment (acute or chronic), circulatory disorders, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, paralysis, and muscle weakness. Swelling (edema) can be reduced particularly effectively. Therapeutic benefits have been scientifically proven. (Source: PT Fundamentals and Techniques of Hydrotherapy, Electrotherapy, and Massage / Urban & Fischer / ISBN 3-437-46260-1)
Pain relief for osteoarthritis or rheumatism through electrotherapy
Electrotherapy relieves pain and promotes blood circulation, regulates tension in the skeletal and vascular muscles, and promotes the drainage of edema and joint effusions. It is used for rheumatism, tennis/golf elbow, tendonitis, bursitis, spinal syndrome, osteoarthritis, and post-traumatic conditions. Electrotherapy must not be used in cases of certain malignant tumors, open wounds, fresh scars, and metal implants in the treatment area, or in patients with pacemakers.
Nutrition Counseling
Proper nutrition for living with rheumatism, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or ankylosing spondylitis. Beneficial nutrition for rheumatic diseases – the so-called "rheumatism diet" (according to Dr. Gudrun Lind-Albrecht). Unfortunately, no form of nutrition can cure rheumatic diseases. However, it is important for all of us to consciously address the topic of nutrition, and there are scientifically and empirically based recommendations that have a noticeable and beneficial effect on those affected. During nutritional counseling at the Gastein Healing Gallery, patients receive suggestions and information on healthy eating tailored to their specific condition. This is because the right diet plays a role that should not be underestimated in conditions such as rheumatism, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, or osteoarthritis.
Key topics of nutritional counseling include, for example:
The primary aim is to show patients how they can avoid certain foods and thus positively influence the course of their illness through targeted nutrition. Care is taken to ensure that the "rheumatism diet" is easy to incorporate into everyday life and that healthy eating remains enjoyable despite restrictions. After all, enjoyment should always be a priority, but without any regrets afterwards.
- What is healthy eating?
- Is there enjoyment without regret? – Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory components of food
- Osteoporosis prevention? – Choosing the right foods can help
- What can my body tolerate? – Pay closer attention to your body's reactions
In combination with exercise in the fresh air and stress reduction, the right diet is another valuable building block in the fight against rheumatic complaints. See for yourself! Information, dates, and registration directly at Tel. +43-6434-3753-0 or by email at termine@gastein-healing-gallery.com.
Surface Laser Therapy
Just like the osteoarthritis treatment in the Healing Gallery, our medically and therapeutically supervised laser therapies can also provide additional pain relief: this scientifically proven benefit is achieved through selective or small-area application on both large and small joints. Laser therapy has proven particularly effective for osteoarthritis in the finger joints, Heberden's osteoarthritis, Bouchard's osteoarthritis (rhizarthrosis), and tendon attachment irritation.
The therapeutic laser beam triggers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving processes directly at the site of application. However, acupuncture points can also be treated with laser therapy in some cases, with the laser beam replacing the needle stimulus. In addition to painful processes of the musculoskeletal system, various skin changes (such as early-stage cold sores on the lips) can be treated with laser therapy to promote faster healing. Area laser therapy is also useful for psoriasis patients.
Foot Reflexology
Specific reflex zones on the feet/soles of the feet can be used to reactively influence certain structures, organs, and disorders. Each reflex point on the foot is associated with a specific organ, a specific region of the body, or even a bodily function, including hormonal control. Using the appropriate massage technique, these points can then be used to exert an activating or dampening effect on the associated regions, functions, or organs.
The effect of the therapy is based on empirical values and is ideal for muscular tension, digestive problems, postural problems, chronic colds, migraines, sciatica, myogelosis, organ complaints, and constipation.
Professional foot reflexology massage is not suitable for acute inflammation of the veins and lymph nodes, mycosis, high-risk pregnancies, fever, Sudeck's syndrome, sensory disturbances, or before the third month of pregnancy.
Therapeutic Exercise - individually or in a group
Depending on the doctor's prescription and individual problem constellation, our certified physiotherapists, who specialize in rheumatology and have many years of experience, use specific stretching, mobilization, relief, and strengthening techniques. Treatment on the sling table is available as a particularly effective and relieving spinal treatment. As an ideal complement to radon therapy, we offer individualized therapeutic exercises, especially for osteoarthritis and scoliosis.
Osteopathic techniques complement the spectrum and bring about noticeable improvements even in the most severe cases of restriction, blockages, and poor posture. Coordination exercises (including training on the climbing wall), individual positioning therapy, and posture exercises can also be carried out.
The proven mechanisms of therapeutic exercise (source: Guidelines for Physiotherapy in Orthopedics and Traumatology, 2nd edition, Elsevier Verlag, 2006) can also be prescribed with a focus on breathing exercises—particularly for bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, ankylosing spondylitis, and (as breathing relaxation) for fibromyalgia.
Classic Therapeutic Massage
Massage is probably the oldest form of therapy in human history. It seems to be innate to press, knead, or massage a painful area. The first descriptions or depictions of massage can be found around 2600 BCE in China and around 2300 BCE in the Egyptian Empire. Galen (129-199 CE) already gave recommendations for the use of massage and described different massage techniques for muscles and the back. Later, massage fell into oblivion in Europe and only became popular again through P. H. Ling (1776-1839) as so-called Swedish massage. The basic form of the so-called classic massage can be traced back to the descriptions of Mezger (1839-1901). The work of Head (1899) and Mackenzie (1917) on the reflexive nerve connections between internal organs, skin, and muscles led to a new understanding of the effects of classic therapeutic massage.
The goals of classic therapeutic massage are
- relief of local pain in the muscles, back, or internal organs through relaxing, circulation-promoting, and decongestive massage techniques,
- eliminating lymph congestion or edema, and
- loosening scar tissue and removing metabolic waste products.
In addition to reducing muscle tension through therapeutic massage, appropriate techniques can also be used to increase muscle tension in weakened muscles. Most massages increase blood circulation and relieve pain in the area being treated. Depending on the massage technique, the muscles can be relaxed or their basic tension increased. There are also effects on certain parts of the brain, which can lead to either increased wakefulness or general calmness and sleep promotion.
The release of connective tissue adhesions and the influence on lymph transport are further effects of classic therapeutic massage. Functional disorders of internal organs can be improved via the autonomic nervous system.
Positioning Therapy on Wooden Rollers
Positioning therapy on wooden rollers—modified according to Schaarschuch-Haase—is used to specifically treat both the typical Bechterew's disease posture with forward leaning and the expansion of the chest during breathing. Under trained therapeutic supervision, the patient learns the correct, pain-free (!) positioning of two rollers (made of fabric, foam, or wood), which he or she can then continue to use regularly at home (ideally 20 minutes a day). The benefits of positioning therapy on rollers are empirically proven, particularly suitable for the treatment of Bechterew's disease and spinal misalignment. However, it is not appropriate for all forms and degrees of severity of Bechterew's disease (especially not for severe curvature and acute spondylodiscitis). Good results are also achieved in other conditions such as general spinal syndromes without herniated discs, or fibromyalgia. It must not be used in cases of severe osteoporosis, after vertebral fractures, or in cases of recent herniated discs. (Reference: Positioning therapy according to Scharschuch-Haase).
The goal of positioning therapy: The goal of positioning therapy on wooden rollers is to straighten the spine and stretch the chest, and chest and hip flexor muscles. When used correctly and, above all, regularly (daily), positioning is extremely effective against the impending forward tilt and chest stiffness associated with Bechterew's disease and also in combatting the impending shortening of certain muscle groups.
Important: Positioning therapy on wooden rollers is a gentle therapy. It should never cause pain, and there should be no pressure points.
Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage massage was developed by Danish physiotherapist Emil Vodder around 1830. In the 1990s, it was further developed into a complex physical decongestive therapy and is now a gentle massage technique used to improve lymph flow.
The lymph and the lymphatic system
The function of the lymph is to remove toxins, waste products, metabolic products, cell debris, and excess tissue fluid. Lymph vessels and lymph nodes form a complex networked system that runs through the entire body and serves, among other things, the immune system and the filtering of various harmful substances from the lymph itself. The lymphatic system is crucial for the body's defense mechanisms.
Application of the treatment with almost no pressure
Unlike other forms of massage, Dr. Vodder's manual lymphatic drainage massage does not involve kneading the tissue, but rather working slowly and with only light pressure using constantly repeated movements. This stimulates the lymph vessels to contract and transport away excess fluid tissue accumulations (=edema).
The aim of lymphatic drainage massage according to Dr. Vodder
The aim of the therapy is to activate the lymphatic system so that accumulated tissue fluid can be removed. At the same time, the body's own immune system is stimulated.
Indications for manual lymphatic drainage
The therapy is very successful in treating edema and rheumatism. However, it is not only used for clear cases of lymphatic congestion, but also for diffuse swelling (as occurs in fibromyalgia, for example), as well as in late forms of Sudeck's disease, general congestion associated with varicose veins, or venous insufficiency, lymphatic drainage with its gentle decongestive massage techniques improves drainage from the tissue. Furthermore, a reduction in swelling and relief of the associated pain can be achieved. Sometimes, very specific techniques can also be used to accelerate wound healing in cases of leg ulcers (chronic open legs) using lymphatic drainage. Thrombosis on the one hand and fresh inflammation on the other are excluded.
Medical Training Therapy - MTT
The body needs a certain muscular balance between what are known as phasic muscles (responsible for fine motor skills and posture) and tonic muscles (responsible for greater strain and exertion). In most cases, our everyday posture has led to a weakening of the phasic muscles and overstretching and shortening of the tonic muscles. Under the guidance of a physiotherapist or sports therapist, you will learn medical training therapy exercises to specifically strengthen the phasic muscles, support and regain an upright posture, and achieve good muscular balance.
In MTT physiotherapy, training programs tailored to individual complaints and physical conditions are practiced on training equipment. This allows the load to be precisely adjusted to the patient's physical condition. After learning the exercises, they should be continued about 2-3 times a week in order to achieve good results. The increase in overall performance in terms of strength, endurance, and improved coordination skills provides ongoing motivation for regular repetition with this form of therapy.
Myofascial Release Therapy
Many symptoms and complaints encountered in daily practice are difficult or impossible to treat with superficial massage, conventional physiotherapy, or purely neuromuscular approaches. The causes often lie in restrictions and hardening in the connective tissue. These can be released using targeted deep tissue techniques. Myofascial release is an individual physical therapy treatment. Through precise manipulation of deep-seated connective tissue restrictions, an attempt is made to exert a balancing effect on the entire organism via the fascial system and help it achieve new balance and vitality.
Application & effect: Until now, little attention has been paid to the fascial system in manual therapy. Myofascial release treats the three-dimensional fascial systems that interweave our bodies in a targeted and differentiated manner. The mobility and flexibility of the connective tissue is improved, joints are relieved, blocked joints are released, and stereotypical movement patterns are dissolved. Relaxed fasciae also enable better blood circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. This contributes to better tissue nutrition and leads to purification and detoxification of the body.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation according to Jacobson
The therapeutic relaxation method of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) according to Jacobson was first described in 1929 by Edmund Jacobson, an American physician and psychologist. In his view, stress and anxiety are triggers for increased muscle tension. However, stress can be counteracted at an early stage using various relaxation techniques. This PMR technique not only reduces stress, but also sensitizes the brain, enabling it to recognize and avoid new stressors at an earlier stage.
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) according to Jacobson is therefore based on consciously tensing and relaxing different muscle groups. The contrast between muscle tension, for example in the back or neck, and the subsequent relaxation is perceived much more intensely than the previous state of tension. After just a few minutes of practice, a deep sense of calm and mental relaxation sets in. The technique is easy to learn and often has a positive effect after the very first application.
Progressive muscle relaxation is often used for the back and neck. Indications include chronic polyarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or high blood pressure. Experience has shown that it is also very effective against sleep disorders, nervousness, stress, tension headaches, and dermatoses such as neurodermatitis.
Exercises with Rapeseed
The movement exercises used in rapeseed therapy involve micro-massaging the hands. The neutral temperature of the rapeseed reduces swelling/edema, activates sensitivity, and alleviates pain in the fingers and joints. The effectiveness of this therapy is based on empirical evidence. It is believed that the linolenic acid concentrated in rapeseed—a precursor to the important anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids—can be absorbed through the skin. A guaranteed side effect is also a pronounced skin-care effect.
The special movement exercises in the rapeseed bath, with low resistance and without significant effort, train the stability of the joint-guiding structures, especially in cases of rheumatism, arthrosis, and chronic polyarthritis. After instruction by the therapist, the movement exercises should be continued regularly, including in further follow-up treatment at home (rapeseeds are available at our health center).
Indications for rapeseed therapy
For rheumatism in general, osteoarthritis, chronic polyarthritis, finger polyarthrosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia with swelling of the hands, and polyneuropathies, the occupational therapy-based movement exercises in the rapeseed bath provide good relief, especially in combination with radon therapy in the Healing Gallery.
Therapeutic Climbing
Therapeutic climbing for back pain combines vertical movement grounded in principles of physiotherapy. Climbing offers playful, targeted, and reactive sequences of movements which, when taught by a trained physiotherapist, can be used preventively, curatively, and rehabilitatively.
In terms of movement, climbing is a form of vertical crawling and plays an important role in human motor development and upright posture. Lost movement patterns can be regained in a natural way and back pain can be effectively combated. Whether the goal is leg axis stability or shoulder joint stabilization, strengthening the abdominal and back muscles, or connecting both halves of the body and brain—the exercises on the therapeutic climbing wall are instructed individually and according to the specific problem at hand.
Training takes place on a wall approximately 2.5 meters high with adjustable handles and steps in a safe environment. This therapy, whose benefits are based upon observation, is suitable for young and old alike to holistically train the musculoskeletal system and alleviate back pain. The product is not suitable for patients with chronic polyarthritis involving peripheral joints in the hands and/or feet.
Nordic Walking in a Group
Therapeutic Nordic walking, which involves gentle walking with poles and quick steps, is—based on observations and experience—the ideal year-round sport for health. This is because Nordic walking is easy and quick to learn, improves cardiovascular performance, relieves strain on the musculoskeletal system, and is very well suited for rehabilitation. When walking, at least one foot is always in contact with the ground, in contrast to running. This means that injuries to muscles, ligaments, and joints are practically non-existent. The movement mobilizes the vertebrae, thereby relieving tension, which is the main cause of back problems.
Walking with special poles turns classic walking into an effective full-body workout and maximizes training effects; it is 40–50% more effective than walking without poles. Unlike jogging, using poles trains the upper body and coordination. This raises the heart rate to fat-burning level even at a moderate pace, stimulates the metabolism, and boosts mood with the release of endorphins. It is also a social activity, as you can still talk to others while exercising. After training, the poles help with stretching, preventing muscle soreness.
We like to combine radon therapy in the Healing Gallery with therapeutic Nordic walking, especially for osteoarthritis, if suitable. Contraindications include peripheral joint involvement in the hands and/or feet, chronic polyarthritis, acute herniated discs, undefined pain, and recent TEPs (total endoprostheses of the hip, shoulder, or knee).