The influence of the selected methods of hydrotherapy and kinesitherapy on the knee joint physical condition and pain in patients with gonarthrosis
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common locomotor system disorders. This disease requires an application of effective physical therapy methods. Among them are hydrotherapy and ozone therapy. Ozone therapy may be an alternative method of treatment in patients with osteoarthritis in cases where the routine medical treatment does not give the expected results.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine a possible influence of the hydrotherapy with or without ozone on pain and knee joint physical condition in patients with gonarthrosis. Materials and methods: 30 patients (mean age 62,3±11,0 years) with gonarthrosis were included in the study. The patients were assigned to three groups: Group A (10 pts) – water massages with ozone + exercises (kinesitherapy) were applied in this group, Group B (9 pts) – water massages without ozone + exercises (kinesitherapy) were applied, Group C (11 pts) – kinesitherapy alone was applied. All the patients realized the same kinesitherapy program. The knee joint physical condition was evaluated by using Lequesne scale, the level of pain by using VAS and modified Laitinen questionnaire.
Results: The study revealed a significant knee joint physical condition improvement and pain reduction in all groups estimated by using Lequesne scale and VAS scale. By using Laitinen scale a significant pain decrease was revealed in groups A and B.
Conclusions: The results confirm that all three methods of therapy (hydrotherapy with ozone, hydrotherapy without ozone and kinesitherapy) have a positive influence on knee joint physical condition and pain reduction in case of chronic pain in course of gonarthrosis.
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