TO WHAT EXTENT DOES THERMOTHERAPY WORK FOR THE TREATMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS AND WHAT SECURITY CAN IT PROVIDE?
To answer this question, the scientists found and analyzed three studies. More than 170 patients with osteoarthritis continued to take their medication, but used hot pouches, hydrocolloid bags, ice packs or hot packs, with or without massage, or did not receive treatment. The quality of the studies was poor although this Cochrane review provides the best evidence available to date.
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What is thermotherapy and how can it help patients with knee osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis and can affect the hands, hips, shoulders and knees. In OA, the cartilage that protects the end of the bones is broken, causing pain and inflammation. Thermotherapy is the application of heat or cold in the joints to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and can be done with bags, cloths, wax, etc. Heat can act to improve circulation and relax muscles, while cold can numb the painful area, reduce inflammation, contract blood vessels and block nerve impulses to the joint. Thermotherapy can be applied in rehabilitation programs or in the patient's home.
To what extent does thermotherapy work?
One study showed that applying ice massages for 20 minutes, five days a week for two weeks, improved leg muscle strength, knee range of motion, and decreased walking time by 50 feet compared to none treatment.
Another study showed that the application of ice packs three times a week for three weeks improved the pain as well as the non-application of a treatment.
Another study showed that applying hydrocolloid bags ten times for 20 minutes reduced inflammation more than any treatment. Hot bags during the same time had the same effect on inflammation as no treatment.
What security can it provide?
In the studies, no side effects were reported, but in general, studies argue that thermotherapy is safe when applied with care.
What is the conclusion?
Due to the small number of patients included in the studies and the poor methodological quality, it is not possible to draw solid conclusions. There is "silver" level evidence that ice massage could be used to improve
range of motion, knee strength and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Hydrocolloid bags can be used to reduce inflammation.