Focal Thermal Therapy Acupoint OA Knee RCT

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Focal Thermal Therapy at Acupuncture Points in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common degenerative joint disorder in our ageing population. A combination of thermal therapy with a self-management exercise have shown a positive effect in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topical heat pack versus focal application of heat therapy at the acupressure points in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common degenerative joint disorder in our ageing population. A combination of thermal therapy with a self-management exercise have shown a positive effect in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of topical heat pack versus focal application of heat therapy at the acupressure points in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

A randomized control trial was conducted in 76 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, diagnosed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Following inclusion and exclusion selection, patients were randomly allocated to group 1 (Heat Pack) or group 2 (Thermal Gun). All patients received 30 minutes of treatment in each session, twice a week for 4 weeks. They also received an education program and taught home knee exercises. Outcome measurements were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, muscle power, knee ROM, WOMAC and SF-12v2.

Inclusion Criteria:

• male or female patients aged 40 years old or older
• clinical and radiological diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee based on the OA Knee clinical guidelines and radiological evidence
• normal skin sensation to heat, cold, pins and pricks (i.e. passed the required Skin Sensation Test)
• not participating in any other clinical trial at time of this study
• be able to complete the whole trial period
• no cognitive dysfunction and was able to sign the consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• received bilateral knee arthroplasty before this study
• polyarthritis affecting more than both knee
• active skin lesion
• women in pregnancy or breasts feeding
• received acupuncture and/or moxibustion within one month of the study
• unable to comply with the study protocol