ABSTRACT
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic and progressive joint disease after middle age in the world. This disease begins with the gradual destruction of the joint cartilage and gradually continues with symptoms such as knee joint pain, limited mobility and inability to move, and has a serious impact on the quality of life of sufferers. To alleviate this disease, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers and drugs containing glucosamine, are often prescribed. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of hydrotherapy and physiotherapy on OA women patients in the elderly.
Materials & Methods: Two groups of 23 participants were randomly selected from 69 OA patients. At the beginning, they were examined in terms of pain intensity, movement and physical performance using observations and questionnaires. One group participated in hydrotherapy and the other in physiotherapy.
Results: After the necessary investigations and performance evaluation of the patients, the following results were obtained. The intensity of muscle pains and spasms was reduced in both groups, but in the hydrotherapy group, in addition to the significant reduction of pain, participants stated that they were able to do daily activities without the help of others. Also, the results showed that the mental condition of the patients improved significantly.
Conclusion: Therefore, in addition to relieving joint pain, hydrotherapy can also improve muscle function. This method also reduces heart pains and other muscle pains. This is why in recent years, hydrotherapy is known as the best way to prevent and treat knee osteoarthritis.