knee osteoarthritis: An Updated Review for Physical Therapists, Nursing, and Pharmacists
Abstract
Background: Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent, degenerative joint disease and a leading cause of pain and disability globally. Its management is a significant challenge for healthcare systems, necessitating effective, conservative strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve function.
Aim: This review aims to provide an updated, comprehensive analysis of the efficacy, mechanisms, and comparative value of various physical therapy modalities for KOA, tailored for physical therapists, nurses, and pharmacists involved in patient care.
Methods: The article employs a systematic literature review methodology, evaluating a range of physical therapy interventions. These include traditional techniques like acupuncture and moxibustion, and modern modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, shortwave diathermy, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, low-intensity laser therapy, and electrotherapy across low-, mid-, and high-frequency ranges.
Results: The analysis confirms that all reviewed modalities can effectively reduce pain and improve function in KOA patients. Each therapy operates through distinct mechanisms—neuromodulation, thermal effects, photobiomodulation, or electromagnetic stimulation. The review highlights that combining modalities with complementary mechanisms often yields superior, synergistic outcomes compared to monotherapy.
Conclusion: There is no single superior physical therapy for all KOA patients. A pragmatic, multimodal approach is recommended, integrating foundational exercise and education with accessible, low-cost options (e.g., moxibustion, electrotherapy) and escalating to technology-intensive modalities (e.g., PEMF, laser) based on individual patient needs, clinical phenotype, and resource availability.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Hussa Fraih Moodhi Alharbi, Rabab Mohammed Ali Alsaleh, Yasir Mohammed Mousa Alajam, Salman Hassan Mohammed Alhathiq, Rashed Sultan Ali Alonazi, Faisal Abdullah Al Faisal , Nasser Abdullah D Alkhurayyif, Abdulaziz Ibrahim M Alfaisal , Fahd Mohammed Alharbi, Abdulrahman Mohammed Hakami, Faisal Awad Alshan, Beshaeir Bandar Bin Jamaan, Malak Hadi Ibrahim Jaafari
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