Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting millions of people in the UK and around the world. Faced with this often disabling chronic condition, many people are looking for solutions to relieve their pain and improve their quality of life.
Among the treatment options available, electrotherapy is attracting growing interest. But is this technique really effective in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
In this article, we explore in detail the potential benefits and limitations of electrotherapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis?
Before discussing electrotherapy, it's important to understand what osteoarthritis is. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive wear and tear of articular cartilage.
It mainly affects people over the age of 65, but can also affect younger individuals.
The main symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- Joint pain.
- Joint stiffness.
- Creaking during movement.
- Limited mobility.
The joints most frequently affected are :
- Knees (gonarthrosis).
- Hips (coxarthrosis).
- Spine.
- Hands.
Osteoarthritis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of sufferers, limiting their daily and professional activities.
What is electrotherapy?
Electrotherapy is a non-drug treatment technique that uses low-intensity electrical currents to relieve pain and stimulate tissues. The method involves applying electrodes to the skin over the painful area.
There are various forms of electrotherapy, but the most commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis is transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation (TENS). This technique involves sending electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate nerves and block pain signals.
How does electrotherapy work to relieve osteoarthritis?
Electrotherapy acts on several mechanisms to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis:
- Blocking pain signals: Electrical impulses stimulate large-calibre nerve fibres, inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
- Release of endorphins: Electrotherapy promotes the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
- Improved blood circulation: Electrical currents stimulate local blood circulation, which can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
- Muscle relaxation: Electrotherapy can help relax tense muscles around arthritic joints, reducing pressure on them.
Effectiveness of electrotherapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Several studies have been carried out to assess the effectiveness of electrotherapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The results are encouraging, although they vary according to the individual and the location of the osteoarthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis
A study led by Dr. Sandrine Soriot-Thomas at the Amiens hospital compared the efficacy of an electrotherapy device (VitaliTENS) with that of painkillers usually prescribed for knee osteoarthritis. The results showed a 2-point reduction in pain on a scale of 10 after two months of treatment. This efficacy is comparable to that of Tier 2 opioid analgesics, with the advantage of five times fewer side effects.
Other areas of osteoarthritis
Electrotherapy also appears to be effective for other areas of osteoarthritis, including:
- Cervical osteoarthritis.
- Lumbar osteoarthritis.
- Osteoarthritis of the hands.
However, effectiveness may vary according to the individual and the severity of joint damage.
Advantages, limitations and precautions
Advantages of electrotherapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Electrotherapy offers several advantages in the treatment of osteoarthritis:
- Non-drug treatment: Electrotherapy offers an alternative to drug treatments, reducing the risk of drug-related side effects.
- Rapid pain relief: Many patients report rapid relief of joint pain after an electrotherapy session.
- Improved mobility: By reducing joint pain and stiffness, electrotherapy can help improve range of motion.
- Home treatment: With the advent of portable devices for home use, it is now possible to carry out electrotherapy sessions at home, giving patients greater autonomy.
- Reduced drug consumption: Electrotherapy can help reduce the need for painkillers, thus limiting their potential side effects.
Limitations and precautions when using electrotherapy to treat osteoarthritis
Despite its advantages, electrotherapy has certain limitations and requires certain precautions when using it:
- Variable effectiveness: The effectiveness of electrotherapy can vary from person to person, and according to the location of the osteoarthritis.
- Symptomatic treatment: Electrotherapy relieves the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but does not cure the disease itself.
- Contraindications : Electrotherapy is contraindicated in people with pacemakers, pregnant women (on the abdominal region and lower back) and in cases of skin lesions in the area to be treated.
- Need for medical supervision: If your osteoarthritis requires significant medication, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting electrotherapy treatment, to make sure it's right for you.
How is electrotherapy used to treat osteoarthritis?
There are two ways to use electrotherapy for osteoarthritis:
1. In a physiotherapist's clinic
Electrotherapy sessions can be carried out by a physiotherapist as part of a comprehensive treatment of osteoarthritis. The professional will adapt the treatment parameters to your specific situation.
2. At home with a portable device
Portable electrotherapy devices, such as the Compex Mini, are now available for at-home sessions. These devices are usually accompanied by a mobile app that guides the user in positioning the electrodes and choosing the treatment program.
Here are a few tips for optimum use of electrotherapy at home:
- Scrupulously follow the manufacturer's instructions (fully downloadable user manual on the product sheet).
- Start with a low intensity and gradually increase.
- Respect the recommended duration and frequency of sessions
Do not hesitate to consult your doctor or physiotherapist in case of doubt.
Electrotherapy as part of a holistic approach to osteoarthritis
It is important to stress that electrotherapy should not be considered as a single treatment, but rather as a complement to a holistic approach. The latter may include :
- Appropriate physical activity.
- Muscle-strengthening exercises.
- Stretching.
- Weight loss if necessary.
- Use of orthopedic inserts.
- Medication if necessary.
A combination of these approaches will deliver the best results in the long-term management of osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: electrotherapy, a promising therapeutic option
Electrotherapy appears to be an interesting therapeutic option for alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Its efficacy, comparable to that of Tier 2 analgesics but with fewer side effects, makes it an attractive alternative for many patients.
However, it is important to bear in mind that effectiveness may vary from one person to another, and that electrotherapy does not cure osteoarthritis. It should be seen as just one tool in the overall management of this chronic disease.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis and are thinking of trying electrotherapy, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or physiotherapist. These professionals will be able to guide you in choosing the best therapeutic approach for your particular situation.
