Deep heating therapy via microwave diathermy relieves pain and improves physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

54 patients with moderate uni- or bilateral knee osteoarthritis were included in this randomized double blind study to compare the effect of deep heat therapy and superficial heat therapy on functional outcomes, joint pain, and joint stiffness. Results assessed over a 12 month period indicated that deep heat therapy provided early improvements in pain and function that were maintained for the 12 month follow-up period. Improvements in WOMAC and joint pain outcomes in the deep heating therapy group were significantly greater than the superficial heating group.