Efficacy of Chiropractic Combined with Local Ultraviolet Irradiation and Low-frequency Drug Delivery of Huangbaeksu in Knee Synovitis

Kim Song-Hu; Jo IL-Guk; Pak kwang-Song; Pak Hyon-U; Rim Song-Sun

Abstract

Synovitis of knee joint is an early inflammatory type of osteoarthritis which is a degenerative chronic condition that involves degradation of articular cartilage and synovium, producing joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of chiropractic combined with local ultraviolet irradiation and low-frequency drug delivery of Huangbaeksu in knee synovitis cases. A total of 60 patients with knee synovitis were randomized into two groups—study group and control group. In the study group, (n=30) all patients received chiropractic care combined with local ultraviolet-irradiation and low-frequency drug delivery of Huangbaeksu. In the control group (n=30), all patients received combined local physiotherapy without chiropractic. Difference of one-leg standing weight, changes of subjective findings, objective findings, pain-free time, ultrasound findings and activities of daily living were compared between the two groups. All biomechanics-related and function-related parameters were superior to the conventional physiotherapy in chiropractic combination group. Overall efficacy was 93.3% in chiropractic combination group which was higher than physiotherapy group (86.7%). The chiropractic care might be an effective nonsurgical tool for the remarkable improvement in efficacy of conventional physiotherapy in knee synovitis cases.

Abstract

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