Effectiveness of Thermotherapy Using a Heat and Steam Generating Sheet for Cartilage in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

[Purpose] Superficial heat treatment is one of the most widely used physical therapies for osteoarthritis (OA). We clinically evaluated the effects of local heat treatment and exercise therapy for knee OA, and evaluated the articular cartilage using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen females aged 50–69 (59.5 ± 8.5 years, mean ± SD) years diagnosed with early-stage knee OA were randomly assigned using computer-generated random numbers to either a local heat treatment group (LH group, 9 subjects) or an exercise therapy group (EX group, 9 subjects). These groups were subjected to a 12-week intervention experiment. MRI T2 mapping was performed for cartilage imaging and quantitative evaluation. For clinical evaluation, the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were performed. Both clinical and MRI evaluations were performed at the beginning and end of the intervention (0 week (Time 0) and 12 weeks). [Results] The total JKOM score had a significantly decreased in the LH group at 12 weeks. However, in the EX group the total JKOM scores at Time 0 and 12 weeks were not significantly different. The TUG time in the EX group was significant shorter at 12 weeks, whereas it showed no significant change in the LH group at 12 weeks, though the TUG times of 7 of the 9 patients decreased, exhibiting some improvement. The T2 value of the LH group was significantly shorter at 12 weeks. However, the T2 value in the EX group showed no significant change at 12 weeks. [Conclusion] After local heat treatment using heat- and steam moisture-generating sheets for 12 weeks, we observed improvements in clinical symptoms and walking abilities. Moreover, positive effects on cartilage metabolism were suggested.

Long-Term Effects of Pulsed Radiofrequency Application in Patients with Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Seven patients with the diagnosis of osteoarthritis based on criteria recommended by ACR (American College of Rheumatology) who demonstrated radiological changes suggesting stage ≥ 2 OA according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (K/L) staging system and who received intra-articular PFR treatment because of intractable pain persisting for at least one year, despite application of various conservative treatment methods, were included in the study. Exclusion criteria for PRP application were as follows: (1) Stage 4 patients according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification (7); (2) patients with bleeding diathesis, those receiving anticoagulant treatment, and cases demonstrating contraindications to injections, including systemic or local infections; [3] other tissue diseases affecting the knees; [4] application of intra-articular steroid or hyaluronic acid injection within the previous six months; [5] presence of serious neurologic and psychiatric disorders. PRF application In all applications, following standard monitoring, the patient was seated on a chair.…”

“…Thermal therapies are categorized in two classes as superficial and deep therapies. Paraffin, peloid, and warm water pads create a superficial thermal effect, while thermal effects of ultrasound and electromagnetic waves penetrate into deeper tissue layers [3]. Pulsed radiofrequency energy (PRF) is applied at high voltage (typically 45 V).…”

Integrative Health Practices Used in Individuals Diagnosed With Osteoarthritis

“…Diz OA'lı hastalarda yapılan bir çalışmada 12 hafta boyunca yapılan sıcak buhar uygulamasının hastaların klinik bulgularını ve yürüme fonksiyonlarını geliştirdiği belirlenmiştir [24]. Yapılan çalışmalarda, diz OA'lı hastalara uygulanan yüzeyel sıcak uygulamanın ağrıyı azalttığı ve fiziksel fonksiyonu arttırdığı saptanmıştır [25,26].…”

The Effect of Compression Knee Band and Heat Treatment on Blood Velocity of the Elderly with Osteoarthritis

“…2007; Kim et al, 2013;Lee, 2006;Ochiai et al, 2014;Son et al, 2008). (Heinonen et al, 2011;Kim & So, 2012;Okada et al, 2005).…”