Investigating the Correlation Between Frequency of Physiotherapy Sessions and Pain Reduction in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis over Six Sessions
TL;DR
Six physiotherapy sessions were associated with reduced pain and daily functional impact in patients with KOA and these findings support structured physiotherapy for conservative management; however, further controlled studies with standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed to establish treatment effectiveness.
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and functional limitations. Physiotherapy is an important component of conservative management and may reduce pain and improve daily functioning. However, evidence regarding short-term changes in pain and functional impact following a defined course of physiotherapy remains limited. Objective: To assess changes in pain intensity and daily functional impact among patients with KOA following six physiotherapy sessions. Methodology: A quantitative longitudinal observational study included 80 patients with KOA, aged 40–65 years, recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from hospitals and physiotherapy centers in Quetta, Pakistan. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale before treatment and after six physiotherapy sessions. Demographic and clinical characteristics, pain frequency and location, duration, previous physiotherapy experience, daily functional impact, and adherence to prescribed home exercise programs were also recorded. Results: The mean age of participants was 50.96 ± 7.57 years, with 70.0% being male. Daily pain was reported by 91.3% of participants, while bilateral knee pain was reported by 63.7%. Most participants (73.8%) had no previous physiotherapy experience. Mean NPRS scores decreased from 3.76 at baseline to 2.59 after six physiotherapy sessions. The proportion of participants reporting severe pain decreased from 76.3% to 0%, while the proportion reporting mild pain increased from 0% to 41.3%. The proportion reporting a severe impact of pain on daily activities decreased from 56.3% to 10%. Adherence to prescribed home exercise programs was reported by 71.3% of participants. Conclusion: Six physiotherapy sessions were associated with reduced pain and daily functional impact in patients with KOA. These findings support structured physiotherapy for conservative management; however, further controlled studies with standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed to establish treatment effectiveness.