Back pain, stiff shoulders or uncomfortable tension in the lower back can affect even the most ordinary daily activities. Long periods of sitting, physical strain or musculoskeletal problems can gradually affect how we feel and move throughout the day. One of the treatments used in spa and rehabilitation care is gas injection therapy – the application of medical carbon dioxide (CO₂).At Hotel Park Piešťany, you will find gas injections among our therapeutic treatments. But what exactly does the term “gas injections” mean, how does the treatment work and what conditions is it used for?

What are gas injections?

Gas injections, also referred to as subcutaneous CO₂ application or carboxytherapy, are a treatment in which medical carbon dioxide is injected into the subcutaneous tissue and tissues using a fine needle. It is therefore not a conventional injection containing a medicinal substance. The substance administered is CO₂. Carbon dioxide is not a foreign substance to the human body. It is naturally produced during metabolic processes in cells and is subsequently transported by the blood to the lungs, where it is exhaled. When CO₂ is applied locally, it causes a vascular response and increases blood flow in the treated area. Scientific literature describes the primary effects of carboxytherapy as vasodilation, meaning the widening of blood vessels, and an increase in local tissue circulation.  

How does CO₂ affect tissue circulation?

This is one of the most interesting properties of the treatment. When the concentration of carbon dioxide increases in a particular area, the body responds to this change. One of the mechanisms involved is the widening of blood vessels and an increase in local blood flow.Scientific literature also refers to the so-called Bohr effect in this context. An increased concentration of CO₂ and a change in pH affect the binding of oxygen to haemoglobin, facilitating its release into the tissues.¹This is one of the reasons why CO₂ therapy has historically been used in balneology and spa medicine and why its potential applications for various health conditions continue to be studied.

What are gas injections used for?

In practice, gas injections are used primarily in connection with the musculoskeletal system, painful conditions and circulation disorders. At Hotel Park Piešťany, we use them particularly for:

• pain and stiffness in the back muscles
• lower back pain
• stiffness and tension in the shoulder area
• discomfort in the hip joints
• muscle spasms
• chronic painful conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system

According to our treatment programme, gas injections may also be used for certain other indications. It is therefore important to consult a healthcare professional to determine whether the treatment is suitable for your particular health condition.

What about osteoarthritis and joint problems?

Carboxytherapy is also being studied in connection with degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis. Research has mainly focused on the potential effects of CO₂ on microcirculation, blood flow and other biological processes in tissues.However, research in this area is still ongoing, and the available evidence is not sufficient to claim that gas injections can treat osteoarthritis. It is therefore important to distinguish between relieving certain symptoms and treating the underlying cause of a condition.

How are gas injections administered?

The word “injection” itself may sound discouraging. In reality, the treatment involves the application of CO₂ using fine needles into specific areas of the subcutaneous tissue and tissues.During the application, you may briefly experience pressure, tension or warmth at the injection site. However, the experience of the treatment varies from person to person. At Hotel Park Piešťany, the procedure takes approximately 5 minutes, with a maximum of 6 injections per treatment session.

When are gas injections not recommended?

Not every treatment is suitable for everyone. At Hotel Park, the main contraindications for gas injections include:

• inflammatory skin conditions
• acute infectious diseases
• fever

Before undergoing a therapeutic treatment, please inform our staff about your current health condition and any existing medical conditions.If you experience persistent, severe or sudden pain, it is also important to consult a doctor first and determine its cause. 

When your body tells you it needs attention

We can ignore pain and stiffness for a surprisingly long time. We learn to sit differently, get up more carefully or simply accept that certain movements are no longer as comfortable as they once were.However, taking care of your body does not have to begin only when pain significantly limits your daily life. At Hotel Park Piešťany, we combine relaxation with options for musculoskeletal care. In addition to gas injections, our Wellness & Medical centre offers a range of other therapeutic and regenerative treatments.

Give your body more than just a break

If you are experiencing stiff muscles, lower back, back or shoulder discomfort, find out whether gas injections could be a suitable treatment for you. You do not need to plan a traditional spa stay to benefit from the treatment. Gas injections are available directly at Hotel Park Piešťany and can be combined with other Wellness & Medical services according to your needs.

Because sometimes relaxation means switching off your mind. And sometimes it means finally paying attention to a body that has been telling you for some time that it needs care. Discover the therapeutic treatments at Hotel Park Piešťany and give your body the care it needs.