IN a randomized trial, researchers evaluated two physical therapy approaches—high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and short-wave diathermy (SWD), each combined with exercise, for treating patients with Stage 2–3 knee osteoarthritis. This comparative study offers new insights for U.S. healthcare professionals seeking non-pharmacological solutions to manage pain and improve quality of life in patients with knee OA.
The study enrolled 60 patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for primary bilateral knee OA, all classified as Kellgren-Lawrence stage 2 or 3. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either HILT or SWD, in both cases paired with supervised exercise. Each group underwent ten sessions over two weeks (five sessions per week).
Both treatment modalities led to statistically significant improvements in pain and function, measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and a range of physical performance tests including the Timed Up and Go, Stair Climb, and 30-second chair-stand tests.
However, HILT combined with exercise demonstrated broader improvements, significantly outperforming SWD in nearly all measures except the Stair Climb and 40-meter Fast-paced Walk tests. Notably, the SWD group showed no statistically significant change in the 30-second chair-stand and 40-meter walk scores.
Researchers concluded that while both therapies were effective adjuncts to exercise, high-intensity laser therapy offered more comprehensive benefits in terms of pain relief, physical function, and overall quality of life. These findings suggest HILT may be a more effective addition to rehabilitation plans for patients with moderate knee OA.
As the burden of knee osteoarthritis continues to grow among aging populations in the U.S., these comparative data provide evidence-based guidance to optimize physical therapy protocols.
Reference: Ceyhan Z, Karaca SB. The efficacy of high-intensity laser and short-wave diathermy both combined with exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized comparative study. Lasers Med Sci. 2025;40(1):192.
