An exploration into the effectiveness of cryotherapy modalities on patients with degenerative knee conditions, through a series of single-case experiments

Abstract

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition contributing to functional limitation, reduced quality of life and substantial socioeconomic burden, largely due to pain. Currently, the lifetime risk of developing knee OA is approximately 45%, which is likely to rise due to an ageing population. Therefore, self-administered interventions to alleviate symptoms of OA would be beneficial. Thermotherapy (local hot or cold) is a NICE advocated, non-pharmacological self-management tool for knee OA. Yet, optimal thermotherapy protocols are yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of two cryotherapy modalities at reducing pain, swelling and instability in people with degenerative knee conditions, through a series of single-case experiments.