EFFECT OF SWEDISH MASSAGE AND HOT MUD WITH CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA APPLICATION AMONG KNEE JOINT OSTEOARTHRITIS CASES-A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL

Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a most common type of degenerative joint disease-causing substantial pain and disability globally. Despite affecting over 20 million individuals in the United States and an anticipated 100 million worldwide by 2030, the molecular mechanisms of KOA initiation and progression remain inadequately understood, with no available interventions to restore degraded cartilage or impede disease advancement. Current treatments, including medications and surgical interventions, exhibit limited efficacy and potential side effects. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combined treatment comprising Swedish massage, hot mud, and Calotropis gigantea application in reducing pain, disability, and joint stiffness in individuals with KOA. Eighty participants (35 males, 45 females) aged 40 to 75 years with clinical knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to either a Study group (Swedish massage with Hot Mud and Calotropis Gigantea leaves) or a Control group (Swedish massage with Hot Mud). Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Secondary Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) assessed pain, disability, and joint stiffness. The intervention was applied daily for 10 days, and pre- and post-intervention comparisons were analyzed. Both groups exhibited a significant reduction in pain, disability, and joint stiffness. However, the Study group demonstrated a greater reduction than the Control group, with statistically significant differences in VAS and WOMAC scores. No adverse events were reported. Calotropis gigantea, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, combined with Swedish massage and hot mud, showed a potential synergistic effect. Swedish massage enhances blood circulation and muscle relaxation, while hot mud provides heat therapy. The combination may improve the penetration of therapeutic agents, leading to more profound effects. The study suggests that the combined treatment holds promise for addressing knee-related issues. The combined treatment involving Calotropis gigantea application, Swedish massage, and hot mud demonstrated a significant reduction in knee pain, disability, and joint stiffness. The potential synergistic effect of these interventions warrants further investigation to validate their therapeutic benefits, emphasizing the need for caution and additional research to ensure safety and efficacy.