Effect of Reflexology Foot Massage on Pain intensity and Physical Functional Abilities Among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Knee Osteoarthritis is the eighth leading cause of disability and a degenerative disease that deteriorates over time. It is the chief contributor to impaired mobility and occurrence of chronic pain. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment remains the key in the management of Osteoarthritis. Non-pharmacological methods such as reflexology have been used to alleviate symptoms and to improve patients’ functional ability. Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of Reflexology Foot Massage on pain intensity and physical functional abilities among patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Research hypothesis: Patients with knee osteoarthritis, who receive Reflexology Foot Massage experience less pain intensity, improvement in health status and physical functional abilities than those who do not receive such intervention. Methods: A quasi experimental research design was utilized to conduct this study on 60 patients with Knee Osteoarthritis at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation clinic of El-Hadra Orthopedic and Traumatology University Hospital, Alexandria. Tools: Three tools were used in this study for data collection. Tool I: Patient's Socio-demographic and Clinical Data Structured Interview Schedule, Tool II:Western Ontario and MCMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire structured interview schedule, and Tool III: Range of Motion Exercise of the knee joint assessment. Results: Patients’ pain intensity, knee joint stiffness, and function abilities were improved significantly in the study group immediately after second, third and fourth foot reflexology sessions, moreover, the mean difference for knee R.O.M between the patients in the study group including, knee flexion and extension were improved significantly immediately after second, third and fourth foot reflexology sessions than those in the control group. Conclusion: The therapeutic effects of Reflexology massage sessions on the study group were much better than that of control group in relation to decrease patients’ pain intensity, improvement in their health status and physical functional abilities. Recommendations: Illustrated self-administered Reflexology massage intervention booklets distributed to patients with knee osteoarthritis, could be of help, and development and implementation of Reflexology training program for nurses, health care personnel and caregivers should be applied. non-pharmacologic therapies Non-pharmacologic modalities for KOA generally divided into educational, and physical approaches. Educational approaches are based on lifestyle pattern changes including; diet, exercise, and joint protection techniques by using different walking aids ( Cutolo et al., 2015) . Physical exercises include aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Physiotherapy strategies such as Electrotherapy, thermal modalities and manual therapy are recommended according to each patient condition