This review specifically examined the efficacy of shortwave diathermy (SWD) for alleviating the main symptoms of osteo-arthritis (OA) of the knee. To this end, the available databases were searched, and then the outcomes of the 11 relevant non-randomised comparative and randomised controlled clinical studies detailing the application of SWD for treating knee OA were critically evaluated using specified criteria, and their outcomes categorised in terms of their favourable, non-favourable and questionable effects on pain and mobility. Given the equivocal findings and poor methodological quality of most studies reviewed, we conclude further controlled studies are essential to establish whether either continuous or pulsed SWD is efficacious for treating patients with knee OA.

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A brief summary and a critical assessment of this review may be available at DARE