Orthopade. 2001 Nov; 30(11): 848-55.

[Conservative nonpharmacological treatment of arthrosis]

Kladny B, Beyer WF.

Abteilung for Orthopädie, Fachklinik Herzogenaurach. bernd.kladny@ortho.med.uni-erlangen.de

There are different options for nonpharmacological therapies in osteoarthritis. An educational program and instruction of the patient are of major importance. There is evidence that manual physical therapy and exercise improve function and reduce pain in osteoarthritic joints. Thermal modalities are employed for short-term pain relief and change the intra-articular temperature. Electrotherapy, ultrasound, balneotherapy, and acupuncture show positive therapeutic effects. Orthotics, braces, and wedged insoles may be beneficial in selected cases. Based on the present findings, further investigations are needed to prove the effectiveness of various methods in physical therapy and nonpharmacological approaches to the management of osteoarthritis.