Therapeutic Ultrasound, TENS, and Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage damage, subchondral bone thickening, osteophyte formation, and nonspecific synovial inflammation. Patients often present with pain, stiffness, and functional limitation. This report describes the management of a 66-year-old woman with moderate (Kellgren–Lawrence grade III) left knee OA using a multimodal physiotherapy approach.

Methods: This single case study was conducted during a physiotherapy rehabilitation program. Interventions consisted of therapeutic ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and structured exercise therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using pain assessment, manual muscle testing, range of motion (ROM), and functional activity observation.

Results: After four treatment sessions, the patient reported pain reduction, increased muscle strength, improved joint ROM, and enhanced functional capacity. Improvements were most notable in weight-bearing activities and daily mobility.

Conclusion: The combination of ultrasound therapy, TENS, and targeted exercise proved effective in reducing pain and improving joint mobility and function in a patient with moderate knee OA. This case highlights the potential role of multimodal physiotherapy interventions in OA rehabilitation.