A Comparative clinical study to demonstrate the effect of Hijama-bila-Shart(Dry Cupping) and Isometric Knee Exercise in Knee Osteoarthritis (WAJA-UR-RUKBA)

Pain in joints is a major clinical problem since ancient times. Inflammatory or non inflammatory joint disorders have been described elaborately by eminent Unani Physicians under one caption of Waja ul mafasil, which stands for pain in joints. On the basis of clinical presentation, osteoarthritis looks very similar to Waja-ul-Mafasil Balghami. One of the most common form of osteoarthritis is knee osteoarthritis, which can be translated as Waja-ur-Rukba. Osteoarthritis is a chronic painful disorder, primarily treated with non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs(NSAIDS) and corticosteroids that have a large number of adverse effects on various organs of the body. While the Unani system of medicine and physiotherapy has multi-directional approach for the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Because of these problems, a device evolving non-drug management of disease has always been welcomed and appreciated. Hijama is one such method used in Unani system of medicine to manage a number of disease including Waja-ur-Rukba. It has been described in the classical literature to be effective and that too without any chance of producing side effects. On the other hand exercise also increases the functional ability of joints and thus reduces the pain perception. Strengthening of the hamstring and quadricep muscle is important for reduction in knee osteoarthritis and improving the range of motion and decrease the limitations of functional performance of patients with knee osteoarthritis.