Thermotherapy
Heat therapy involves applying heat or cold to the joints to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis. The heat improves blood circulation (by vasodilation), supplies the cells with oxygen and relaxes the muscles. The cold reduces swelling, constricts blood vessels and has an anti-inflammatory effect that blocks nerve impulses to the joints. In both cases, heat and cold act against the sensation of pain.
Electrotherapy
This electro-stimulation therapy consists of using electrical currents (very low intensity, don’t worry) to reduce nerve conduction of the painful message. To transmit these micro-currents, the physiotherapist places electrodes around the painful area which will have two actions:
• Blocking pain, by inhibiting the transmission of the pain signal to the brain.
• The secretion of endorphins, the natural molecules of well-being, which will also erase the painful sensation.
These micro-currents have no contraindications and often make it possible to reactivate muscles or organs that were no longer functioning due to pain.
Pulse ultrasound
The therapy consists of scanning the painful areas for a few minutes with an ultrasound device in order to reduce the inflammatory response and improve the healing of the tissues (especially the cartilage). These ultrasounds can be transmitted continuously or in pulsed mode. They will warm up the treated areas and have a micro-massage effect. This therapy is, for now, mainly used to reduce pain. But it is considered a promising approach to combat joint degeneration.
Note that ultrasound is not used for people wearing surgical equipment. In other words, no ultrasound for wearers of hip prosthesis.
Read also :
Knee osteoarthritis: 4 joint exercises to regain mobility
Infographic: the best anti-osteoarthritis foods
Osteoarthritis: 6 tips to limit the risks
