A Review on Osteoarthritis Knee Management via Contrast Bath Therapy and Physical Therapy

Abstract

One of the body's main weight-bearing joints is the knee joint. For this reason, osteoarthritis typically involves it. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is the condition in which sub-chondral sclerosis of bone occurs, narrowing of joint space is present, and osteophyte formation is seen at the edges of the bone; because of this, there is pain, reduced knee range of motion, and this leads to functional activity limitations. This prevalence is increasing because of a reduced active lifestyle; this is becoming usual in younger populations. Non-pharmacological management of this condition using contrast bath therapy given by different methods like using hot and cold water, towel compression, and smart knee pad device, causes alternate vasodilatation and vasoconstriction helps to reduce pain symptoms. Physical therapy exercises like stretching, strengthening hip and knee muscles, and balance training showed beneficial effects on a range of motion and activities. Articles using keywords were searched on Google Scholar and PubMed, 70 articles were seen of which eight were reviewed that meet the inclusion criteria. Contrast therapy helps to remove metabolic waste by improving blood flow thus reducing pain. Strengthening the hip and knee muscles helps to stabilize the knee joint, and balance exercises help to improve proprioception. From this review, it is concluded that contrast bath therapy is effective in reducing pain when given with different methods of application as compared to individual hot or cold treatment, and given with the help of a device will be more effective than the traditional method. Along with this strengthening of the knee and hip musculature, stretching and balance exercise helps to improve range and functional activity. Exercise and electrotherapy aid in symptom relief and slow the progression rate of this condition.

Comparison of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching on hamstring flexibility in patients with knee osteoarthritis

“…The use of IASTM identifies adhesions, generates an inflammatory process, increases muscular blood supply, reduces tissue viscosity, and promotes collagen tissue repairment ( Dharmendrasinh, 2020 ; Lambert et al, 2017 ). Restoring hamstring flexibility has been shown to reduce pain and stiffness in knee osteoarthritis and improve quality of life, as the hamstring is a major muscle in the knee joint ( Fokmare Jr & Phansopkar, 2022 ; Hafez et al, 2013 ).…”

Current evidence for non‐pharmaceutical, non‐surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis

“…A temperature of between 28°C and 30°C has been recommended for canine hydrotherapy (Prankel 2008, Lindley & Watson 2010. Alternating between warm and cold water, a process known as contrast hydrotherapy, has been investigated in humans finding potential benefits versus either warm or cold water alone (Abd Elfatah et al 2019, Fokmare Jr & Phansopkar 2022, but no studies have been published in dogs.…”

Physiotherapeutic Intervention Techniques for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

“…Five grades (0, normal to 4, severe) were used by Kellgren and Lawrence to categorize OA. According to this scale, grade 1 demonstrates that there are no bony growths and normal joint space; grade 2 demonstrates that there may be a slight narrowing of the joint space and the emergence of bony growths; grade 3 demonstrates that there is a narrowing of the joint space and mild bony growth formation; and grade 4 demonstrates that there is moderate bony growth formation, a narrowing of the joint space, and sclerosis of the subchondral bone [ 13 ].…”