Efficacy of TECAR Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Evaluation of The Efficacy of TECAR Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the treatment efficacy of TECAR therapy, a modern application that has been increasingly used in recent years, compared to conventional physical therapy applications in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, according to the evaluation of the clinical findings of patients.

Methods: A total of 54 patients, aged between 40 and 75 years, were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received CPT. Group 2 received TECAR therapy in addition to CPT, applied three times a week for two weeks, for a total of 6 sessions. All patient's knee joint range of motion (ROM) was measured goniometrically, isometric quadriceps muscle strength was measured, and pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and disability levels were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) before treatment, at the end of treatment, at 1 month, and at 3 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 3 months of conservative treatment for unresponsive knee pain
• Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 on radiographic evaluation
• Agreed to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of physical therapy (electrotherapy/exercise) in the past 3 months
• Intra-articular injection therapy in the past 3 months,
• History of surgery or trauma to the affected knee
• Inflammatory or neurological disease affecting the lower extremities
• Active vasculitis or severe peripheral vascular disease
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Diagnosed restless legs syndrome
• Neoplasia
• Local sensory impairment,
• Local or systemic acute infections
• Severe osteoporosis
• Pacemaker
• Psychiatric disorder and cognitive impairment.