Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common maladies seen in a rheumatology office.
The standard forms of treatment include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), topical analgesics (eg., 0rubs0), injections of glucocorticoids (0cortisone0), injections of viscosupplements (lubricants), and bracing. Arthroscopic treatment 0 going into the joint with a small telescope and cleaning out the knee- is occasionally helpful. For advanced cases, surgery with joint replacement is needed.
However, there are other approaches that have been used that are non-invasive and can provide short term relief. These are termed 0physical modalities0. These physical measures such as electrical stimulation, electroacupuncture, and low level laser (0cold laser0) therapies have been reported to be helpful as an adjunctive approach to pain relief for patients with OA of the knee.
Recent evidence has surfaced supporting the role of physical modalities. A recent study (Bjordal M, et al BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2007; reviewed a total of 33 randomized, placebo-controlled studies where OA of the knee was treated using different modalities.
Treatments used in these studies included transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a low level type of electrical stimulation, electroacupuncture (EA), where electrical impulses are delivered at specific points near and around the joint, low level laser […]

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