Ice massage compared to control had a statistically beneficial effect on ROM, function and knee strength. Cold packs decreased swelling. Hot packs had no beneficial effect on edema compared with placebo or cold application. Ice packs did not affect pain significantly, compared to control, in patients with OA. More well designed studies with a standardized protocol and adequate number of participants are needed to evaluate the effects of thermotherapy in the treatment of OA of the knee.
Effects of thermal therapy on rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. A prospective randomized study.
The role of local heat or cold therapy used in conjunction with exercise in the rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty patients was investigated. Thirty-six osteoarthritic patients were analyzed. Parameters evaluated were range of motion, swelling about the knee, and pain. All patients received the total condylar knee prosthesis and began range of motion rehabilitation fourteen days after operation. Results showed that temperature alteration does not augment passive range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. It was also shown that cold application decreases swelling as compared with heat. Additionally, the application of cold partially alleviates the discomfort of the rehabilitation process in certain patients.