What are osteoarthritis and ultrasound therapy?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis that can affect the hands, hips, shoulders, knees and feet. The tissue (cartilage) that protects the ends of the bones breaks down and causes pain and swelling. Drug and non-drug therapies can relieve pain and/or swelling. Ultrasound is a non-drug therapy given by physiotherapists that uses pressure waves or vibrations. There are two types of ultrasound waves: pulsed (on and off) and continuous (non-stop). The pulsed waves do not produce heat, but they may decrease swelling. The continuous waves, however, produce heat that can soothe inflamed joints. It is not clear whether ultrasound therapy can be used to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. How well does ultrasound therapy work? Based on these studies, our best guess is that the effect of having 12 sessions of ultrasound therapy over 4-6 weeks on pain, range of motion of the joints, or speed while walking is about the same as the effect of having fake therapy. Two studies co
