# Galicia and Universidade de Vigo Launch Pilot for Thermal Therapies in Public Health

- Published: 2026-11-06 21:10 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Medicine
- Tags: thermal therapies, public health, knee osteoarthritis, Galicia, Universidade de Vigo
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-301520af84b6e516c69ed5c0_galicia_and_universidade/

**A pilot project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of thermal therapies for knee osteoarthritis in public healthcare.**

![Galicia and Universidade de Vigo Launch Pilot for Thermal Therapies in Public Health](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/494fdefa939134ae.jpg)
*National Museum of  Health and Medicine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0*

The Xunta de Galicia and the Universidade de Vigo have initiated a pilot project to assess thermal therapies as a complementary treatment for knee osteoarthritis within public health. This project was announced during the XIX Meeting of Thermal Villas in Archena, Murcia, and is supported by a network of 77 entities across 12 autonomous communities, with plans to expand to 83 entities soon. The initiative aims to establish clinical protocols that measure the efficacy of balneotherapy before it can be included in the public health service portfolio, as reported by Moncloa.

## Project Overview

The pilot involves collaboration among the Xunta de Galicia, the Universidade de Vigo, and the local spa sector. The study design includes participation from healthcare professionals, medical hydrology specialists, and spa establishments, focusing on protocols and indicators to measure the real effectiveness of each intervention. Knee osteoarthritis was chosen due to its high prevalence among the elderly population, allowing for a clear comparison of patient outcomes before and after thermal treatment.

Luis Menor, president of the Ourense Provincial Council, emphasized the need for scientific validation of thermal therapies, stating that the goal is to transition from leisure to health recognition. The therapies are intended as a complement to conventional medical treatments, not as a replacement, and aim to integrate medical hydrology into the public health service offerings.

## Economic and Social Implications

The thermalism sector in Galicia has historically focused on leisure, but now seeks to provide scientific evidence to support its inclusion in public health. The project aims to generate measurable indicators with the involvement of healthcare professionals and medical hydrology experts. The economic impact is also significant, as thermal facilities can drive rural development, create jobs, and stimulate local commerce. If successful, this model could influence national healthcare discussions regarding chronic conditions and aging populations in Spain. The pilot's outcomes will be crucial in determining its future viability and potential for broader implementation.

## Sources

1. [Moncloa](https://www.moncloa.com/2026/11/06/terapias-termales-sanidad-xunta-vigo-3462771)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-301520af84b6e516c69ed5c0_galicia_and_universidade/