EFFECTIVENESS OF VARMA THERAPY AND CONVENTIONAL EXERCISES ON OSTEOARTHRITIS OF KNEE - A PILOT STUDY

Dr. Maanickha Chelvi K. S.*

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis is common type of arthritis. It also disease of aging even though OA occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65. Many people with OA use natural or alternative therapies to address symptoms and improve their overall well-being. These include nutritional supplements, acupuncture or acupressure, massage, relaxation techniques and hydrotherapy, among others. Varma therapy is one of the treatment modalities used in Siddha System of Medicine which is originated in southern part of peninsular land named in ancient times.. It is one the traditional system approved by WHO. Now it‟s practised in southern part of India. This study was focused to find out the efficacy of Varma therapy and conventional exercise on course of the disease in patients with chronic osteoarthritis of knee joint.

Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Siddha, Varma Therapy, Convention Exercises