Comparison of the Effects of Knee Poultice and Knee acupressure massage in Patients with Osteoarthritis.

Abstract

      The objectives of this study were: 1)to evaluate the effect of herbal poultices in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. 2)to evaluate the effects of acupressure massage and herbal compresses in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee; and 3) to compare the effectiveness of herbal poultices with acupressure massage and herbal compresses in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The sample consisted of 266 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis in Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province. The experimental group (n = 133) received herbal poultices applied to the knee, while the control group (n = 133) received knee massage and herbal compresses. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used to assess outcomes before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests.

      Results: Herbal poultices applied to the knee were found to be effective in significantly reducing pain, joint stiffness, limited range of motion, and joint function (p<.001). Herbal massage is effective in relieving pain, joint stiffness, limited range of motion, and reduced joint function (p<.001). When comparing herbal knee poultices with herbal massage and compresses, both interventions were found to be effective in reducing pain, joint stiffness, joint rigidity, and limitations in joint function; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two methods.