Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Background: Post-menopausal knee pain due to lack of estrogen hormone during menopause is an important medical and socioeconomic problem that affects the quality of life. The most important symptom is pain during walking. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Interferential therapy versus cryotherapy program in the treatment of knee pain in osteoporotic post-menopausal women. Methods: Thirty post-menopausal women with knee pain, their age ranged from50 to 60 years old participated in this study .The patients were assigned randomly into two groups equal in numbers: Group (A) consisted of 15 patient with knee pain were treated with Interferential therapy while Group (B) consisted of 15 patient with knee pain were treated with Cryotherapy. Pain and functional level had been assessed by using visual analogue scale and walking pain scale Bone mineral density was assessed by using Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before and after four weeks of treatment. Treatment sessions were three times per week (every other day) for successive four weeks. Results: There was an improvement in pain, functional abilities and walking ability within groups (A& B). There was better improvement in pain perception and walking pain in group A that was treated by interferential therapy than group B that treated by cryotherapy. There was a significant difference in bone mineral density pre and post treatment between groups. There was equal development in bone mineral density between groups (A&B) .Conclusion: Interferential therapy was better than cryotherapy in improving pain and functional abilities on knee pain of osteoporotic post-menopausal women

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