Evaluation of the use of hydrotherapy in management of chronic polyarthritis

ABSTRACT

This study included forty chronic polyarthritic patients [24 osteoarthritis, 11 rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis]. 24 were females and 16 males. The patients were classified into 2 groups; the first group treated by hydrotherapy and the second group performed gymnastic exercises and was considered as a control group. All the patients were subjected to full clinical evaluation including the degree of pain and active geometric range of joint motion and functional assessment of the activities of daily living. The assessment was done before and after 2 months treatment and one month later as follow up. The results showed that hydrotherapy is superior to gymnastic exercises. It is very valuable in relieving pain improving active mobility and performance in activities of daily living. In absence of contraindications, hydrotherapy can be recommended as a constant addition to comprehensive program of management of chronic polyarthritis. Gymnastic exercises being also valuable, should be recommended as home exercises