Integrated Treatment of Yoga, Naturopathy and Physiotherapy in Reducing Pain and Improving Functional Status of Osteoarthritis Patients

Osteoarthritis of Knees (OA Knees) also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease is a group of mechanical abnormalities involving degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. The aim of the study focuses on reduction of symptoms and increase in functional activities of elderly patients with osteoarthritis of knees before and after modalities of yoga, naturopathy and physiotherapy. A total 43 patients were recruited and divided into two Groups. Group I (control group) were on allopathic medicines (called once in a month for one year follow-up) and Group II (intervention group) (called 64 times for one year follow-up) were on Yoga, Naturopathy, Physiotherapy and diet control. The study parameters were assessed at baseline and at 12th month follow-up. Results found in this study shows an improvement in pain, 50 foot walk test, morning stiffness, swelling, SF-12, Vitamin D3 level, MMT and ROM after taking one year of allopathic medicines in group I and Yoga, Naturopathy and Physiotherapy treatment with diet control in group II. In conclusion, a combined package of Yoga, Naturopathy and Physiotherapy with diet control is found to be effective in reducing pain, facilitating improvement in functional status of elderly people suffering from Osteoarthritis of Knees.