Both home based exercise and exercise led by a physical therapist improved pain, function and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The exercise programs must last for a minimum of eight weeks to give significant effects.
Both laser and TENS gave significant effects on pain relief at the end of treatment (2-4 weeks). However, the evidence for the effects by laser is weaker than for TENS. There is a lack of evidence regarding effect on osteoarthritis of the knee after treatments including ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic fields.
The effect of physiotherapy (exercise, laser and TENS) persist for 1-3 months after the end of treatment.