As a dense population of baby boomers are entering their senior years, chronic health issues, such as osteoarthritis, are increasing in prevalence. Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative joint disease characterized by pain and decreased function and/or range of motion. Physical therapy (PT) is a common treatment for managing osteoarthritis symptoms and had been demonstrated to be effective in numerous studies. Hydrotherapy is another widely used treatment for osteoarthritis; it is the use of water for therapeutic purposes, specifically, thetemperature and pressure of the waterstimulates blood circulation, provides pain relief, relieves pressure on the joints and promotes ease of movement. A secondary review of the literature was conducted to compare hydrotherapy to standard PT for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. It is hypothesized that hydrotherapy is more effective at reducing pain than standard PT. Results will be discussed. As the US population continues to age, information regarding effective treatment options to manage chronic disease is needed.
