Casciana Terme

REHABILITATION IN ITALY

Italy probably has the highest number of thermal spas of any European country, and since Roman times locals have been using their thermal waters to help recovery after illness or injury.  Today, these spas offer efficient and effective treatments to get you ‘up and running’ as quickly as possible.

Although visiting the spas is like indulging in some of the best ‘wellness’ treatments, and you feel you are being totally pampered, any Italian spa that calls itself ‘medical’ has to be approved by the Italian government’s health dept., and be run by recognised doctors.   Treatments have to be medically proven to be beneficial to patients, and underlying the holiday-like atmosphere is the serious purpose that the staff are dedicated to improving your health – cosmetic and ‘wellness’  benefits are an added bonus.

Treatments might include exercise classes in massive heated indoor and outdoor pools, specialised massage to improve circulation, mobility, etc., and in some cases you might even have ‘vintage’ mud treatments – more about this later!  There is a gym with lots of machinery to aid recovery, and currently there is research into magnetic therapy to reduce inflammation of the joints.

Fellow visitors will probably be undergoing treatment paid for by the Italian health service, so if you have to pay you can be sure you are getting value for money. No Government-run dept. is going to waste its dosh on ‘airy fairy’ unproven ‘miracle’ treatments.  And, from my experience, the medical staff have time to listen to your problems, and then get on with treating you in an effective way.  Many speak English;  many have had training in US.

Outdoor Pool Casciana Terme

CASCIANA TERME is one of the best-known Italian medical spas, within easy reach of Pisa and Florence.  A delightfully pretty town, it’s Tuscany without the Tourists.  They have been welcoming visitors for here rehabilitation, ever since in the 11th century an ailing pet blackbird belonging to Countess Matilda di Canossa bathed in the waters, and was rejuvenated!

The thermal spa complex has well-equipped, spotlessly-clean treatment and therapy rooms. These are built around large indoor and outdoor pools, equipped with different machines and water jets designed to give you specialised treatment.  In the treatment rooms you receive dermatological problems, asthma, arthrothis, etc (see list below).

If you have problems with hips, joints, ankles or other mobility issues, the indoor pool has an ‘inspection pit’, where doctors can stand and watch through a glass sided wall to see what is wrong.  The water is kept at 35°, so the outdoor pool is used in the winter as well as summer; so you swim around comfortably in the warm waters with steam floating on the surface.

It is here that a great deal is being done to research new ways of rehabilitation;  some so new that they are for the future – but the technology is already helping recovery.

Like all countries, Italians are suffering economically, and the Italian health service has cut down the amount of time they will pay for patients to be treated. But this means better use of time if you are coming from abroad and paying for yourself.  Today, there is a sense of bustle; people no longer stroll or lounge around in between treatments, but have a full programme each day towards recovery.

Until the evening, of course.  Then everything stops for the Italian institution of ‘Passagiato’.  Put on your glad rags  (Italians consider trainers and tee-shirts beyond the pale);  visitors usually sit at a cafe on the main square and eat an ice-cream (very much Italian style), and watch the locals as they parade up and down.

If seeing how smart everyone is makes you uneasy – then all you have to do is slip into a shop next door and try on shoes, dresses, shirts, handbags etc.  Italian shops stay open late, so you aren’t hot and flustered but can enjoy the experience in the cool of the evening!

TREATMENTS:  Manager Dr. Luca Gronchi

Dr. Luca Gronchi, Director

Team: Dr. Giorgio Gnesi ; Dr. Claudio Vanni; Dr. Cataldo Graci; Dr. Cinzia Andreoni; Dr. Rita Brunetti; Dr. Gionanni Magna; Dr. Giorgio Mariani; Dr. Cristina Salvestroni; Dr. Nico Tonelli
Private consultations from €50 – €120

Rheumatism and Arthrosis (joint pain).  treatment consists of the application to the affected joints of clay + thermal water at a temperature of 45-50° for a period of about 20 minutes, followed by a thermal bath at 35,7° for about 10 minutes. Good for chronic rheumatoid arthritis, gout and the after effects of injuries and surgical operations.  Incidentally, the mud packs (clay mixed with thermal water) could be said to be made of ‘Vintage’ mud, as the mud + water mixture has to mature for six months to that the minerals are fully active.

Mineral Water Treatments With sodium-bicarbonate and calcium, spa waters are effective in cases of liver poisoning, whatever the cause (dietary or pharmaceutical), also for dyskenesia of the bile ducts, owing to the protection afforded to the liver by the sulphate ion. They are also useful for gout and excessive cholesterol.

Rhinitis, Pharyngitis, Bronchitis can be treated using aerosol methods with spa waters, such as sinusitis, rhinosinusitis and tracheitis, especially in children (the children I saw being treated seemed quite happy).

Gynaecologocial problems :  restoring  the vaginal Ph.

Where to stay:  The Thermal baths were founded in 1870, but since then have been considerably modernised  and upgraded. There is a 25 bed hospital on site, but you will probably want to stay in one of the hotels, or do what we did – book self-catering at the Villa Borri.

The Villa Borri is an old farm complex, 50 metres away from the Thermal Spa entrance.  Whilst the thermal spa is modern and up-to-date, the Villa has evolved through the centuries.  The original farm building dates from the 7th Century, and the whole complex has been beautifully restored to provide an Italian version of self-catering:  each of the 22 apartments (sleeping 2 – 6) has its own kitchen – but being Italian the Villa also provides breakfast and brunch, so you take your pick.

Just look at the ceiling!

Once the farm workers lived in these buildings;  today guests stroll around as though in their own village, or you can take a book and find a quiet corner to laze away, before stirring yourself to take one of the treatments. The villa offers ‘wellness’ and spa treatments – these are pure indulgence, but with a medical basis.  So if you have skin problems, or need a good massage, this is where you get pampering.

Want to meet the neighbours?  Then there is a morning exercise session (for muscular toning) where you follow an instructor, or you can have fun in the Thermal Passage.  This is a series of little pools and areas that wind in and out of the main villa, leading out into the garden.  Idea is you take your time, stopping here to lie down where jets massage your back, or stand up in another area and have these jets pummel your legs.  Then you walk up and down against the thermal current outside – not only fun but good for circulation, aches, and everything.

Another treatment room

Rushing to make up time before my next appointment – I came a cropper on the marble floor (totally my own fault).  Before I could breath, Dr. Gronchi had been summoned, and I went straight in to the ’stand up’ jets, which massaged and soothed my knees.  Next morning I didn’t have an ache or a bruise.

But the real treat in the villa is the wall and ceiling frecoes.  You lie there, being massaged or painted with mud, whilst above you is a fantastic ceiling with these fabulous wall paintings.  The mud has special properties;  made from special minerals, it is mixed with thermal water and left to ‘mature’  for six months, before being heated and placed on your skin to help with dermatological problems, or supply deep heat treatment to aching points.  If you come here in winter, there is another treat – a ‘chimney massage’, where you lie in a room in front of a roaring fire, whilst being treated.

Where to eat:  In olden days the Pisan navy was one of biggest, with ships trading all round the known world.  They bought back spices from Africa and Asia, and so Pisans began using them in their cooking.  In the main square is the Restaurant Sapori d’Oriente, where Naema the Chef mixes subtle Eastern spices with the best Tuscan beef, to produce a mouth-watering Tuscan Beef dish.  This was slices of tender beef, which you dipped into straw potatoes (very, very thin strands of deep fried potato, rather like fairy chips).  You crunched on the pieces of beef, then they melted in your mouth, and it was superb.  Then for pudding I had a chocolate, nuts and cream semi-freddo (half frozen cake), which again was scrumptious.  Main dishes from €8 – €20;  Puds €4.  www.ristorantesaporidoriente.it

What to do around the district:  This part of Tuscany is definitely ‘Tuscany without Tourists’, as this corner is free  from the frenzied rush of visitors crowding into Florence and Pisa.  Villages are just as picturesque as those in the ‘hot spots’, but without the tide of tourists.  We wandered through Lari (where you can drive a car through, don’t have to park outside and toil up a hill) and marvelled at the castle still looming over the scene.  It’s narrow streets have lovely little grocery shops, where you can buy olive oil, pesto, pasta and other foodstuffs as souvenirs, without paying inflated prices.

Wandering around, we came across an old monastery, slipped through more villages, and felt part of another world.

www.termedicasciana.it

Tourist Information : www.pisaturismo.it

Luxury !

Luxury must be a word invented by the Italians.  They provide this so naturally, especially at  their medical spas such as Bagni di Pisa, that it makes rehabilitation for treatment, or after an operation, a delightful rest and holiday.

The British have been coming to Bagni di Pisa, at San Guiliano just outside Pisa, since the   Grand Duke of Tuscany hosted the Prince Regent (George IV) on his massive souvenir hunting sprees, when he bought up pictures and antiques galore for the Royal Collections.  In the 18th century, the Duke, Francesco Stefano di Lorena, built himself a summer home by the thermal waters of San Guilano, and visitors flocked to stay, including Percy and Mary Shelley, and the Cardinal Duke of York, one-time claimant the Stuart throne. Today, the hotel has a ‘Shelley’ event once a week, where guests are invited to have a drink.

This summer palace has been turned into a relaxed resort hotel offering medical treatments, and guests stay in the same bedrooms as the Duke’s former guests.  Shown into my bedroom at the Bagni di Pisa Spa Resort, I flopped onto the bed, and looking up, there was the most fantastic frescoed ceiling;  something you would only normally see in
a museum (well worth requesting an upgrade).  Another luxury is the most gorgeous marble bathooms, with
lots of goodies, and when you check in you don’t get given just any old bathrobe – the Receptionist asks your
size, and by the time you arrive in your room, bathrobe and slippers are waiting in the correct size.

Hotel and pool

Incidentally, showing attention to detail, as we arrived fairly late into the attractive but low-key reception area, I noticed the Concierge had the crossed golden keys on his lapel.  These show that holders are members of an elite organisation, at the top of their profession, and only the best hotels employ them – so if you see the keys
you know you will be in good hands.

Often in Italy rooms are arranged ‘upside down’.  In old houses the ground floor was used for stores and servants, and the owners lived as high up as possible, to catch cool breezes.  Here you take a lift up to the third floor for the restaurant, and walk along a cool loggie overlooking the gardens to reach the Chef, Umberto Toscano’s kingdom.  He works with Mirko Micholotti, the Restaurant Manager, who previously worked for Madonna and Buckingham Palace – an ‘unusual’ combination!

Upstairs Loggia

I liked the menu, which made a feature of Organic food, cooked very lightly so it was delicious, but not too fattening.  Grilled Salmon Filet with an Aubergine timbale was superb (and light on the calories) as were Yoghurt and strawberry tartlets.  Next night we had Beef filet with black summer truffle sauce – yummy – and tried out the Rabbit loin another.

Some rooms have views of the Leaning Tower, others look out to the Kafe Haus, where the Duke’s guests would climb up to take tea and coffee every afternoon. The brochures show an elegant pool, which be warned
- is smaller than it looks.  This is because it is filled with special thermal waters (36 degrees) and you are only supposed to stay in them for 20 minutes.   These waters are the ones that are used for treatments – and I felt aches and niggles disappear as I paddled around.  Bliss!

In winter there is an elegant indoor pool, filled with the same thermal waters.

Around the outdoor pool is a lovely relaxing area, with good snacks – salads and other lovely dishes.  Every week there
is a local market in the street outside, and as I got dressed one morning I could look  out and watch fascinated as the stall holders set up their fantastic displays of fruit and vegetables – why is it so much fun watching others work?!

Medical Treatment: Under the direction of Dottoressa Patrizia Chiti, this side of the spa is caring and serious,
although Dr. Chiti welcomes you with a broad smile on her face.  The spa offers treatments for Allergies
(testing available), Asthma, Circulation problems, Muscular pains, Post Operation especially hips, Skin problems, Rheumatism, Weight loss, etc.

As Dr. Chiti says, “we are specialized in treating obesity, stopping smoking (connected with the weight) and skin medical treatment (with our young and successfull Dermatologue, Dr Damiano Degli Innocenti)”.

Doctor’s Consultations from €50.

Wellbeing Spa:  This works alongside the medical side, and the staff liaise with each other – you know that
whatever you need is the right treatment for you.  I had dermatological problems, and staff were not only extremely helpful, but took time to explain what was being done – so I could continue the good work at home.

Signature Treatment :  Vitamin C facial prescribed to add hydration to an extremely dry face, pitted with rough patches left by the strong drugs I was on.  Actually it was four different masks (I think, but I was so relaxed I wasn’t
sure!).  They also have Kanebo treatments – using some of most expensive skincreams in world, which says a
lot for expertise of this spa that they are allowed to offer these.  Daniele Zaffaina gave me a Reflexology
treatment, which is best I have ever had.  For a full hour he worked on my feet, telling me in a soft voice
which organs he was working on – in English and some Italian, but was easy to understand.  Then – the
finishing touch – as I went to put on my bathrobe it had been kept in a heated cabinet – that is luxury!

Simply Travel is offering seven nights accommodation for £774 per person based on a bed and breakfast board basis.  Departing on 26 September 2009 from London Gatwick, price includes return flights, accommodation, fuel supplements and car hire.  www.simplytravel.co.uk or call 0871 231 4055

www.bagnidipisa.com

Tourist Information : www.pisaturismo.it

Sardinia has several well-managed Thalassotherapy treatment centres. These treatments are based on minerals found in sea-water, so have to take place near the sea (don’t believe mid-country spas that say they bring tankers of water in – it doesn’t work).

Most of the Thalassotherapy Spas in Sardinia are in hotels based around the north shore of the island, and easy to reach from the airports.

The Hotel Capo d’Orso has a fantastic spa, overlooking the sparkling sea.  Set a little apart from the main hotel, it is an oasis of calm, and you meet fellow guests coming out with smiles on their faces.  Not surprising, as the treatments are excellent. The therapists have been trained in major centres around Europe, speak several languages, and offer treatments tailored to you and your needs – not what is the latest ‘in’ thing.

The Thalassotherapy centre became my haven from the world, and I could see the treatments working – both for skin care and also for muscle aches.  And I had a fantastic exfoliating treatment followed by massage with oils – I just floated back to the hotel and couldn’t stop feeling my skin the rest of the day.

Most of your fellow guests will be Italians, who only go to an hotel if it is good.  You will need a car if you stay here, and the hotel is not suitable if you can’t walk up small hills, as it is built on the side of a cove leading down to the sea.

Just Sardinia are specialists in this area, and they know all the Thalassotherapy spas, so ask their advice. www.justsardinia.co.uk